Honda Racing have confirmed they will retain both Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran for the 2017 MCE British Superbikes series in a two-rider team on the much anticipated Fireblade SP2.
The new BSB season marks the tenth year O’Halloran will be working with the manufacturer. He started his career with Honda Australia, before moving to England where he has been with Honda (UK) for seven years. The O’Show has ridden three generations of the Fireblade and has been a pivotal part in the development of the CBR in the British Championship.
Linfoot’s re-signing marks his third year with Honda UK, after he has continued to show his potential and has been so close to securing his debut British Superbike win. His help developing the new Fireblade, alongside team-mate O’Halloran, will be crucial when the team puts the all-new Fireblade through its paces at the first scheduled test in the New Year
“I’m happy to be going into my third year with Honda, especially with the new Fireblade, it’s been in the back of my mind that I have done two years with the current bike and it would be a shame not to continue with the team when the new bike becomes available,” Linfoot told BSN.
“We’ve got that opportunity to move forward with it now, hopefully it will help to bridge the gap from where we are now to winning races on a regular basis and winning the championship in 2017.
“I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling, evaluating the new bike, seeing how it is as a base and turning it into a competitive Superbike as quickly as we can. It’s going to be a pretty full-on project but very exciting at the same time.
“Hopefully, the bikes will be here soon so we can get going and begin testing in warmer climes early in the new year. It’s difficult to judge what I expect as I haven’t ridden it. Ive seen what is has on paper, and that looks good, and the old bike wasn’t bad as we got it on the podium, but it can only be an improvement, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the updates feel like.”
O’Halloran added: “I’m really pleased to be back with Honda for 2017, this year was successful for us; I finished fifth in the championship and it’s the first time I’ve completed a full Superbike season. I’m really looking forward to next year, I know we’re going to be stronger with the experience and what we have learnt from this season.
“I will have the same crew behind me, the same team and we’ll have the new Fireblade, which is exciting. I have raced the last model Fireblade since 2008, which is a long stint and have worked with Honda on the development, so it’s an exciting time with the new CBR – I can’t wait to ride it now!
“2017 will be my tenth year with Honda, three with Honda Australia and seven with Honda (UK), so it’s a bit of a landmark in my career and I’m happy to continue with Honda for another year. I have high hopes for 2017 and think I can be a strong challenger for the title. This year we made the Showdown, had my first race win and finished on the podium seven times – so with that in mind, next year is going to be a good one.”
Jenny Tinmouth will not remain with the squad but it is believed she will go back to running her own effort.
