Moriwaki Althea Team riders Ryuichi Kiyonari and current JSB1000 championship frontrunner Takumi Takahashi has just commenced their official two-day World SBK test in Portugal. The duo will be working on adapting the set up of their CBR1000RR to the Algarve International Circuit Portimao.
On Saturday, both Kiyonari and Takahashi managed to complete two 1h:50 stints. Takumi set the fastest time of 1’44.380 on lap 23 of 32 of the afternoon’s session. This led him to be placed 17th at the end of the day. Ryuichi recorded the 18th fastest time, a 1’44.552, on lap 24 of 28 of the first morning’s session.
Photo credits: HRC
“First of all, I wish to thank HRC and the Moriwaki Althea Honda Team for the possibility to take part in the test. It’s a nice opportunity for me and I’ll do my best. I knew the track already, having raced here in 2017 but I spent the first session getting re-acquainted with it while adapting the bike’s settings. In the afternoon it was more demanding as it was very hot but we were able to make some improvements. All in all, it has been a positive day and I look forward to continuing tomorrow,” says Takahashi as quoted from Honda Racing Corporation.
Photo credits: HRC
“It has been a long summer break! We have been quite busy with the 8-Hours in Suzuka of course but I was also able to spend quite a lot of time with my family and friends which was really good. Having said that, I’m very happy to be back with the team and on my bike for this test. I raced here ten years ago and the track is maybe a little bumpier but not by much. This morning’s stint was good, while the afternoon’s session was more challenging due to the higher temperatures. Anyway, we have been able to complete good work on the bike setup, improving it over the day”.
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