McCarthy, runner-up in last season’s championship with five race wins to his credit, is looking forward to returning to the UK from his native Australia, where he is spending the summer months doing what Australians do best.

"I’ve been relaxing with some barbeques and some beer and enjoying the weather," said the 31-year-old from Mickleham in Victoria, "but I’m looking forward to the new season and the new CBR. We had a good run last year so maybe the new bike will let us go one better in 2001."

McGuinness, meanwhile, has been building up strength in the leg he broke at Oulton Park last July, prematurely ending his season after two impressive rides on the Castrol Honda machine. The Lancastrian’s first ride back was on a Honda NSR500 V-twin at the Macau GP last November where he finished fourth.

"Macau was good for me," said McGuinness, 26, "having not ridden for so long. I’ve been doing a lot of hydro-therapy in the swimming pool which is getting the leg stronger so, for me, a full season on the new bike can’t come soon enough."

Honda’s UK racing manager, Roger Harvey, is confident that the Castrol Honda line-up will prove to be successful in 2001. "We’re looking forward to developing the new CBR and working with Dunlop tyres once more," he said.

"Kirk and John are both proven race winners so everything points to a great year."