Stockport based MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship rider, Christian Iddon, has completed back to back Official BSB Tests at Silverstone and Donington Park, aboard his new S1000RR Tyco BMW Superbike.
First stop was Northamptonshire Grand Prix venue, Silverstone, where Iddon sat as high as 4th place in two of the three sessions around the 3.6mile GP circuit.
Next, the BSB riders moved on to Donington Park in Leicestershire, and Iddon was well on the pace around the former Formula One Grand Prix track, finishing 2nd behind teammate Michael Laverty in the opening session of the day, whilst only being separated from Laverty in the day’s third session by multiple BSB Champion, Shane Byrne [Be Wiser Ducati].
Said Christian: “I’m really happy with the two Official Tests we have had over here in the UK. We have been lucky with the weather and it has allowed us to continue the work we were doing in Spain.
“Silverstone was a great test for us and I felt very comfortable on the Tyco BMW.
“To be honest the Donington test was a little more difficult but step by step the team improved the bike but I still believe we have some more to come after we get a good look through the data.
“The main positive I’m going away with is our ability to do long runs and to be able to do fast lap times on very used tyres. Having said that, I think that also means we have more we can extract when the tyre is new so no doubt we will work on that when we get to Round 1?
“This is going to be an incredibly close Championship” Christian went on to predict, “the testing times show that without doubt but I’m quietly content with the work we have gone through over the winter test period and where we now find ourselves. I’m ready for round 1 now and I’m just looking forward to the challenge”.
Christian won’t be out of the saddle for long, as the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship heads to Silverstone for Rounds 1&2 of the 2016 Series on the 8-10 April.
Words & Pictures by Mike Petch www.mphotographic.co.uk