Metzeler impressed with new tyre after Brands test
Added on Sunday, March 21st, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Metzeler impressed with new tyre after Brands test
The bosses at Metzeler were celebrating this week as their new Interact tyres proved their worth, beating the Brands Hatch short circuit lap record by half a second.
Steve Plater took his HM Plant Honda Fireblade to an impressive unofficial time of 47.2 seconds, half a second below the lap record of 47.83. He also ran consistent mid 47’s during a long, race simulation test, one which left him extremely encouraged by the potential of the new Superstock tyre.
“Very encouraging times today especially with the race duration test but it’s also very easy to get carried away by times, especially around the Brands short circuit,” he claimed. “Other tracks may fare differently for me.
“I didn’t race Superstock last year so I have no reference point but the tyres were spot on today, no worries. I can’t wait to get back down here for the racing proper in a couple of weeks.”
Steve will line-up against a strong list of ex-British Champions for the super competitive Metzeler National Superstock Championship in 2010, which will once again run alongside the British Superbike series. The class includes three ex-British Supersport Champions; Plater, Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) and three-time champ Karl Harris (GR Aprilia). Other top riders include Isle of Man hero John McGuinness (Padgetts Honda) and Richard Cooper debuting the high-powered Jentin Racing BMW S1000RR.
Reigning Metzeler Superstock Champion Alastair Seeley has moved up to the British Superbike Championship leaving his Relentless by TAS Suzuki ride to Dennis Hobbs. Scott Smart returns on the Moto Rapido Ducati whilst Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) lines up with a chasing pack showing strength in depth.
The Metzeler National Superstock Championship will also have two high profile races at the Silverstone MotoGP giving an exciting showcase for the series, tyres and riders.
