Superbike – Excellent debut for Xaus, positive return for Rea

The tests carried out recently in Portimao produced excellent results for the new Honda duo formed by Ruben Xaus and Jonathan Rea. The bearers of Team Hannspree Ten Kate Honda found themselves on the track with two different motivations (Xaus was on his first outing aboard the CBR while Rea returned from a long stop due to a wrist and shoulder injury) and the results lived up to expectations.

Despite the wet track, Xaus returned from the Portuguese track in excellent spirits. “In Spain we use different words to express a positive feeling – says Ruben – there is “contento” and there is “feliz”… here I am now feliz. From the first minute of this test I understood that my team, my bike and my teammate are incredible. We got an A on an exam and now we're going after the A+ grade. Of course, like all the other drivers I would have preferred to do at least ten/fifteen laps in the dry..."

Also positive was the return to the track of the Northern Irishman Rea, who returned to riding his Honda following the injury suffered to his wrist and shoulder during the 2010 season. “Excluding twenty minutes of sunshine which made the track humid, we lapped always with completely wet asphalt – says Rea – I went back to running at my own pace straight away and we had many things to try. We have to work in record time to be able to test everything in the most effective way possible."

The manager of Team Hannspree Honda Ten Kate, Ronald Ten Kate, was also satisfied. “In four or five laps, Jonathan managed to get back up to speed and this makes us all more confident. His condition, which wasn't yet perfect, didn't allow us to do all the work possible with him but the important thing was to see him ride at his level. Ruben completed 114 laps over the two days and finished with the fastest time overall. He made the most of the time available to get to know the guys on the team and to explain to them how he wanted the bike to be fixed. Having done this, he proved to be the fastest and therefore I can say that it was a really encouraging start… ”

SBK Press Office