Honda Racing have this morning officially confirmed they will retain riders Dan Linfoot, Jason O’Halloran and Jenny Tinmouth for the 2016 MCE British Superbike season.
Yorkshire racer Linfoot had a difficult year, breaking his wrist mid-season but bounced back well with three podiums and a Showdown spot. O’Halloran was showing potential aboard the CBR1000RR with two podiums and a handful of top-ten finishes scored before a horrific crash at Thruxton saw him break his femur and left hand, just seven rounds into the season. Unfortunately the extent and recovery time required for the BSB rookie’s injuries meant his championship challenge was over for 2015.
“I’m very happy to be back in the Honda family for 2016 after a successful season - although it did have its highs and lows - we finished fifth and that’s something to build on and come into the new season fighting. It’s been fantastic working with the crew this year and to re-sign with a team for a second year is something I have been working towards for a while, it will be great to start the next season where we left off,” said Linfoot.
“If we can start consistent and stay injury free then I feel we could really challenge for the title and do the Fireblade some justice. A huge thanks to everyone at Honda Racing and all the sponsors for the continued support, I enjoyed being with the team this year and am looking forward to getting back on the CBR when we start our testing programme in the New Year.
O’Halloran added: “I’m really pleased to be staying with Honda, in what will be my sixth year with them. To have their support after my injury and missing the second half of the season has kept me going and makes me just want to come back stronger than ever. When I got injured I was lying fifth in the championship, finding my feet and felt like I could have secured a place in the Showdown, so it was a huge blow to myself and the team that I was forced to pull out.
“It’s been a tough few months recovering from the injuries, but these things either make or break you and I am probably stronger now than I have ever been, and can’t wait to get back on my Fireblade for testing in the New Year. I think going into 2016 we’re in a better position than we were this year, we learnt a lot during the first few rounds and I think we can have a strong championship, we have a great package with the bike and the team so I see no reason why we can’t be challenging for podiums from the start.
Tinmouth showed progress in her first year with the factory-backed Honda squad. No stranger to the championship, Tinmouth had previously run her own team in the series before being snapped up by Honda. Continually improving and building her confidence, the Cheshire-based rider enjoyed her season on the championship-winning CBR1000RR and smashed her own lap records at every round.
She concluded: “I’m over the moon to be part of the Honda Racing team for a second year; it was a dream come true when I was asked to join last year and to be back for next year is just mega! This year I got to know the Fireblade, the team and we collected a lot of good data, so we can go into the next season with most of the hard work done and just get cracking. It’s really good to also have Dan and Jason in the team again; they have been great to have in the garage and always offering help and support. I can’t wait now until our testing starts in March, I’m counting down the days.”
