BMW Motorrad UK riders complete first public British Superbike test.
Buildbase BMW Motorrad team joined by Michael Dunlop for testing at Donington Park.
Buildbase BMW Motorrad riders Ryuichi Kiyonari, James Westmoreland and Lee Jackson have completed their first public UK test of the 2014 MCE British Superbike season, held at Donington Park.
Westmoreland set the fifth fastest time overall, with Kiyonari ninth. Lee Jackson was the fastest Superstock 1000 rider, leading the highly-competitive support class all day. The three testing sessions were combined, with both Superstock 1000 and BSB classes out on track.
The team were joined by BMW Motorrad / Hawk Racing rider Michael Dunlop. Dunlop will be entering the first two rounds of the British Superbike Championship as part of his preparation for the Isle of Man TT and a season of road racing.
Three-time BSB Champion Kiyonari made his debut on the BMW S 1000 RR at a private test at Mallory Park just days ago. Westmoreland re-signed with the team following BMW’s best-ever results in the 2013 BSB championship, which included two pole positions and fifth place in the BSB Showdown.
TT-winning racer Dunlop enjoyed his second ride on the BMW S 1000 RR – and his first ever visit to Donington Park – and used the valuable track time to get to grips with the BMW superbike.
Lee Jackson, riding the cutting-edge BMW HP4 in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship, was the fastest rider in the highly competitive support series. Jackson has signed for a second year with the Buildbase BMW Motorrad team, following a successful 2013 season which saw him take three podium finishes.
Kiyonari said: “I’m feeling happy, we’ve had promising signs and results. I’d like to be a bit faster, but we were in the top five and top ten all day – which is a nice start. I want as much time out on the bike as possible so I can understand it fully, then we can start to refine the setup.”
Dunlop said: “It’s been a good day, considering it’s only my second time on the BMW and first time ever at Donington Park. The bike feels great and I think it will fly at the TT. I’ve spent the day getting used to the bike and spending as much time out on track as possible. So far it’s all pretty grand.”
Westmoreland said: “Feeling great so far. Last time I was here I got two pole positions, so it’s great to be back. I’d like to have more testing under our belt, but it’s coming together nicely. We have some ideas to improve on our setups, but to be in fifth place on the first official test feels pretty good.”
Jackson said: “The first British test with the team has been fantastic. Last time here we had a good run, and today I felt confident. To have set the fastest Superstock time by around a second is really promising, and I think it’s a sign of things to come.”
The team will be testing at Snetterton on 8-9 April ahead of the MCE British Superbike season opener on 18-21 April 2014. For tickets and information visitwww.britishsuperbike.com.
Keep up to date with the latest news by following @bmwmotorraduk or liking the BMW Motorrad UK Facebook page.
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Donington Park official tests, final session:
1.Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 1m:29.550s
2.Josh Brookes (Milwaukee Yamaha) +0.186s
3.Jakub Smrz (Millsport Ducati) +0.780s
4.Chris Walker (Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Kawasaki) +0.819s
5.James Westmoreland (Buildbase BMW Motorrad) +1.151s
6.Tommy Bridewell (Milwaukee Yamaha) +1.378s
7.Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) +1.426s
8.John Hopkins (Tyco Suzuki) +1.600s
9.Ryuichi Kiyonari (Buildbase BMW Motorrad) +1.690s
10.James Ellison (Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Kawasaki) +1.764s
23. Lee Jackson (Buildbase BMW Motorrad) +3.208s (fastest STK1000 rider)
25.Michael Dunlop (Buildbase BMW Motorrad) +3.547s