Productive pre-Silverstone test for FPR Foggy PETRONAS Racing stepped up their preparations for this weekend’s fifth round of the Superbike World Championship with a productive test at Mallory Park today. Despite showery morning conditions, riders Garry McCoy and Steve Martin both completed just under 100 laps of the Leicestershire circuit. The main area of focus was a new ignition system and both riders noticed immediate results in improving a ‘backing in’ issue that had contributed to early season problems. Team manager Jack Valentine said: “This was a really productive test and we are happy with the way the new ignition system is working and how the changes we have made throughout the day have resulted in improving the deceleration problem. Both riders noticed that corner entry was better and more consistent. So we now have a good base setting to carry into the first practice on Friday at Silverstone.” Steve said: “Everything went well today and I am happy we have found a good direction for Silverstone. In some ways it wasn’t bad that it rained in the morning as it gave us an opportunity to test the new system and parts with both wet and dry set-ups. I also tested a new rear link which gives me more feel. We can now work on all of these improvements over the next few races to try to optimise the FP1 package.” Garry said: “Everything we have tested was positive and is making the bike a lot more rider-friendly and easy to control, although there is still more fine tuning to do and more to come. It was good that the track dried out in the afternoon as what we were here to test wasn’t too noticeable in the wet. I think everyone is now in the right frame of mind for Silverstone.”