Friday, April 16, 2021
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
MCNews

HRC officially launch 2021 WorldSBK tilt

Bautista and Haslam again spearhead HRC assault on the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE

Motorcycle News by Motorcycle News
March 30, 2021
in Honda News, WSBK
A A
Home Motorcycle News Motorcycle Racing WSBK
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare

WorldSBK 2021

Before taking to the track for the first official test of the year at the Spanish circuit of Montmeló, riders Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam have unveiled the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE machines with which they will compete in the 2021 Superbike World Championship, during what is their second consecutive season with factory Team HRC.

In a message from Japan, HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division Tetsuhiro Kuwata underlined just how important racing is to Honda. The manufacturer continuously strives to push the boundaries every further, improving its bikes by engaging in international racing, a concept that is even truer for the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, a bike designed to compete and perform on track. Mr. Kuwata spoke about the development work completed over the winter with regard to both the bike and the organisation of the team. He then passed over to new team manager Leon Camier.

Tetsuhiro Kuwata – HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division

“Racing has been a constant throughout Honda history because, unless we strive to go beyond what we have already mastered, we will never grow, and because we aim to achieve the most advanced engineering, the benefits of which are directly felt by our production bikes. A concept that is particularly true for the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, our flagship model, designed to perform on track. Last year we were able to overcome various difficulties and establish a positive growth trend, and we will continue to build on the strong foundations we have laid to reach the levels to which Honda aspires. Regarding the organisation of the team, Leon Camier has joined us in his new role as Team Manager, and synergies and interaction between our MotoGP and SBK engineers have been further increased across key areas such as the electronics department. And, of course, we continue to develop every aspect of the bike, including the engine, electronics, and chassis, to further boost the bike’s competitiveness, so that Alvaro and Leon can fight up front in the championship and so that, ultimately, we can offer our customers the very best production bikes, now and in the future.”

Honda WorldSBK 2021

The move from rider to team manager signifies a big change for the Brit, who is keen to contribute to the success of a project on which the HRC engineers continue to work tirelessly, despite the additional challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Leon Camier – Team Manager, Team HRC

“It was a hard decision to make the move from rider to team manager, but this opportunity to work with Honda and Team HRC made it significantly easier. I have a long experience in the WorldSBK championship and feel I can contribute to this exciting project. Last year was not easy for anyone as we know, and development of the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, a brand-new bike, was of course affected by the pandemic and the limited testing time. The bike was obviously pretty special though, immediately very fast, and lot of work has now been done behind the scenes in recent months on every aspect of the bike. I think we can expect to make a good step as we fight for the best possible results.”

Leon Camier – Team Manager, Team HRC

Both riders are pleased to have Camier on board, the former rider having shared a similar SBK career path to Leon Haslam. After a winter of intense training across every possible discipline, from minibikes to endurance, Haslam is ready to get back on his CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, convinced that he can fight at the front after an important year of experience and growth.

Leon Haslam

“It’s been a tough winter and I’ve had to delay my training schedule to some extent, but I’ve kept very busy in recent months, spending time in Barcelona where I’ve been doing some flat track, minibike, trials and endurance riding. I honestly feel the strongest and fittest I’ve been and now I’m keen to get back on my CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE. Last year was a big learning curve, with a new team, a new bike, and then a very short and intense season. But now, in our second year, we’ll have a lot more data available to us, so I hope we can start each weekend with a better base. That, combined with the continuing development of the bike, can help us take several steps forward. Everyone has been working so hard over the winter and I honestly can’t wait to get started. I think we can really start challenging this season.”

RelatedPosts

Ducati men set the pace at Aragon WorldSBK Test

Ducati men set the pace at Aragon WorldSBK Test

April 14, 2021
Jonny Rea tops Redding, Gerloff and Folger in WorldSBK Test

Jonny Rea tops Redding, Gerloff and Folger in WorldSBK Test

April 2, 2021
Rea tops opening day of Catalunya WorldSBK Test

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu returns positive COVID-19 test

April 2, 2021
Rea tops opening day of Catalunya WorldSBK Test

Rea tops opening day of Catalunya WorldSBK Test

April 1, 2021
Leon Haslam

A feeling shared by team-mate Alvaro Bautista, who spent the winter training both physically and mentally in order to be in the best possible shape when the championship opens. His initial impressions of the improvements made by the engineers over the winter are positive, his feeling is good, and the goal is now to put it all together and try to fight for victory.

Alvaro Bautista

“We’ve had a prolonged off-season of course, and that’s been a little strange, but I’ve done a lot of physical training and was also very busy at home because I became a father for the second time. I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to the racing now, and I’m pleased with the bike. There are no big changes but a series of small evolutions that should give us a better base setup. We’ve worked across many areas, particularly the electronics, and have focused on finding better rear grip. We’ll now use the upcoming tests to put everything together and try to have a better-balanced bike. It was hard to take any big steps last year due to the pandemic, but we were still able to score some strong results and podiums. We now have a year of experience behind us, and so if this season is more ‘normal’, I think we can fight for better results and hopefully race wins. I cannot wait to get started.”

Alvaro Bautista Fireblade

Tomorrow will see Team HRC take part in an important two-day test as it continues to prepare for what is set to be a very exciting 2021 SBK season.


2021 WorldSBK Calendar

Round Date Circuit WSBK WSSP WSSP300
Test 29 – 30 Mar Catalunya X X
Test 31 Mar – 1 Apr Catalunya X
1 21 – 23 May MotorLand Aragón X X X
2 11 – 13 June Misano X X X
3 2 – 4 Jul Donington Park X
4 23 – 25 Jul TT Circuit Assen X X X
5 20 – 22 Aug Circuito de Navarra X X
6 3 – 5 Sep Nevers Magny-Cours X X X
7 17 – 19 Sep Barcelona-Catalunya X X X
8 24 – 26 Sep Jerez – Ángel Nieto X X X
9 1 – 3 Oct Portimao X X X
10 15 – 17 Oct Circuito San Juan Villicum X X
11 12 – 14 Nov Mandalika Street Circuit*** X X
12 TBA **** Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit** X X
13 TBA **** Estoril** X X X

*All dates, events and the attendance of spectators are subject to the evolution of the global pandemic and the approval of the corresponding governments and authorities.

** (STC) Subject to contract / *** (STH) Subject to homologation /**** (TBA) Venue/event/date to be announced

Tags: WorldSBKWSBK
Previous Post

Takumi Takahashi adds more international flavour to BSB

Next Post

Winton ASBK Images Gallery D

Motorcycle News

Motorcycle News

Related Articles

Ducati men set the pace at Aragon WorldSBK Test

Ducati men set the pace at Aragon WorldSBK Test

April 14, 2021
Chaz Davies tops Aragon WorldSBK Test Day 1

Chaz Davies tops Aragon WorldSBK Test Day 1

April 13, 2021
Indonesian MotoGP/WSBK circuit works inspected by Dorna

Indonesian MotoGP/WSBK circuit works inspected by Dorna

April 10, 2021
Jonny Rea tops Redding, Gerloff and Folger in WorldSBK Test

Jonny Rea tops Redding, Gerloff and Folger in WorldSBK Test

April 2, 2021
Rea tops opening day of Catalunya WorldSBK Test

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu returns positive COVID-19 test

April 2, 2021
Rea tops opening day of Catalunya WorldSBK Test

Rea tops opening day of Catalunya WorldSBK Test

April 1, 2021
Load More
Next Post
Fast times and (almost) fisticuffs round out day one at Winton

Winton ASBK Images Gallery D

Quartararo and Miller top first Qatar MotoGP Test

Rossi and Morbidelli seeking redemption this weekend

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2017 - London - Image by MJ Studio

DGR celebrates 10th anniversary | DGR 2021 on May 23

SOCIALS

  • 20.2k Fans
  • 6.6k Followers

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS

INCASE YOU MISSED

  • All
  • Bike Reviews
  • Motorcycle Racing
  • Latest Bikes
  • Features
  • Motorcycle Gallery
  • Touring
“I can’t not pretend to arrive after one year without bike, and be the same Marc”

Marquez and MotoGP ready to rock Portugal

April 13, 2021
Carter Thompson - Asia Talent Cup 2021 - Losail Round 1

Young Aussies do well at Asia Talent Cup opener

March 29, 2021
Could airbags for motorcyclists become mandatory?

Could airbags for motorcyclists become mandatory?

April 8, 2021

GET LATEST NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

MCNews

MCNEWS.COM.AU is a specialist on-line resource that provides motorcycle news for motorcyclists. MCNews covers all areas of interest for the motorcycling public including news, reviews and comprehensive racing coverage.

© 2021 MCNews

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • ALL NEWS
    • ALL NEWS CONDENSED
    • BMW News
    • Honda News
    • Husqvarna News
    • KTM News
    • Suzuki News
    • Yamaha News
    • Triumph News
    • Ducati News
    • Moto Guzzi News
    • Royal Enfield News
    • Kawasaki News
    • Aprilia News
    • Harley News
    • Indian News
    • MV Agusta News
    • Benelli News
    • Gas Gas News
    • BETA News
    • Norton News
    • Victory News
    • EBR News
    • E-Bike News
    • Scooter News
    • LAMS News
    • ATV / SSV News
  • REVIEWS
    • All Bike Reviews
    • LAMS Reviews
    • KTM Reviews
    • Honda Reviews
    • Yamaha Reviews
    • Triumph Reviews
    • BMW Reviews
    • Suzuki Reviews
    • Ducati Reviews
    • Kawasaki Reviews
    • Husqvarna Reviews
    • Aprilia Reviews
    • Benelli Reviews
    • BETA Reviews
    • CFMoto Reviews
    • E-Bike Reviews
    • EBR Reviews
    • Gas Gas Reviews
    • Harley Reviews
    • Indian Reviews
    • Kymco Reviews
    • Moto Guzzi Reviews
    • MV Agusta Reviews
    • Norton Reviews
    • Royal Enfield Reviews
    • Scooter Reviews
    • Sherco Reviews
    • Victory Reviews
  • LATEST BIKES
    • ALL LATEST BIKES NEWS
    • BMW
    • Honda
    • Husqvarna
    • KTM
    • Suzuki
    • Yamaha
    • Triumph
    • Ducati
    • Moto Guzzi
    • Royal Enfield
    • Kawasaki
    • Aprilia
    • Harley
    • Indian
    • MV Agusta
    • Benelli
    • Gas Gas
    • BETA
    • Norton
    • Victory
    • E-Bike
    • Scooters
    • LAMS
  • RACING
    • ALL RACING
    • ROAD
      • MotoGP
      • WSBK
      • ASBK
      • BSB
      • Real Road / TT
      • Historic Road Racing
      • Japan / Asian Road Racing
      • Endurance Road Racing
      • American Road Racing
      • NZ Road Racing
      • Supermoto
    • DIRT
      • Supercross
      • AMA MX
      • Australian Pro MX
      • MXGP
      • Enduro / Rally
      • Dirt / Flat Track
      • Speedway
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • GALLERY
  • LATEST COMMENTS
  • POPULAR ARTICLES
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT US
  • COMMUNITY FORUM

© 2021 MCNews