Honda Racing’s Dan Linfoot completed both MCE British Superbike races, but still came away from the Oulton Park round with zero points after failing to break into the top 15, leaving the rider ‘speechless’.

The Northerner admitted that he has been struggling with the throttle connection and the stability of the blade. The Honda team are still getting used to the all-new CBR1000RR, and adapting to using the new ride-by-wire system which has replaced throttle cables for the first time this season.

Linfoot, and team-mate O’Halloran have never used the ride-by-wire system in a race before, and developments are still on going with the Fireblade. O’Halloran was able to make some progress with the bike, and finished race two on the podium.

For Linfoot it is a different case as he is still trying to get to grips with the throttle, but did feel a slight improvement with the bike in the second race. It was not enough as he only managed to get two sixteenth place finishes.

Now he is going to re-group and work with his crew to make the bike rideable. He is now looking forward to a one-day test at Knockhill and one at Snetterton, and Cadwell Park too. The aim is to come back stronger at the Scottish circuit in a few weeks time.

“All weekend I have been struggling with throttle connection and the stability on the bike. Essentially the feeling in the chassis off the throttle is absolutely fine, as soon as I open the throttle all of my problems start,” said Linfoot, speaking to bikesportnews.com from the track.

“From the bottom of my heart it is great to see that Jason is making it work as it showed it can be done, but honestly I feel at the moment I can put the bike in the corner and when I open the throttle all my problems start and I end up tying myself in knots, unstable and fighting the bike and I have to close the throttle.

“Not only does it wear me out after half race distance it is just a bad way of riding. It feels like I need to take two steps backwards to understand it again.

“I am speechless in that I finished both races and scored zero points. I have not finished out of the points in years in a race. So gutted for the team and they worked hard all weekend trying to find a solution. The bike worked better in race two, I was running higher but I still did not feel myself.

“I had a high side out of Hizzy’s that I landed back in the seat and had to run off the track but that just showed the lack of feeling with the throttle. We have got a one day test at Knockhill and just need to regroup and come up with some things to try and try and get over this blip.”