Team Honda Racing’s Jamie Stauffer will race with number 21 this weekend. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

Team Honda Racing have completed the official World Superbike test at Phillip Island this week and show very promising times leading into the event to be held on 22-24 February.

Entering the World Superbike races as a wildcard and racing under number 21 for the event, Jamie Stauffer recorded his best testing lap time on day two of the test with a 1:32.255, which placed him 14th fastest and provided a solid base from which to start the event on Friday for free practice.

Testing on the new Pirelli tyres on a resurfaced Phillip Island circuit made the test on Monday and Tuesday all the more critical for the competing riders and gave all a valuable opportunity to prepare ahead of the weekend.

“The two-day test with the World Superbike competitors on Monday and Tuesday was a great chance to get more comfortable on the new track surface and also the Pirelli tyres,” Stauffer said. “Our pace was good although I did come off on Monday on a fairly bumpy part of the track, but overall we made some fantastic headway.

“Tuesday was strong and my lap times were improving. We are going to try a couple of changes to the bike set-up going into free practice on Friday of the event, but the Honda CBR1000RR is looking promising in the two World Superbike races.”

Team Honda Racing’s Hook who will wear number 16 this weekend, is also competing as a wildcard and could not be more excited. He rode the team’s Honda CBR600RR to the 11th fastest time in testing while preparing for the World Supersport race.

“I am really happy with where we are at after the two days of testing at Phillip Island,” Hook said. “The CBR600RR that the team has given me is a terrific package. My lap times were strong and I know we are going to continue to bring the times down on Friday during free practice.

“I feel really comfortable on the bike and I am very excited about the event on the weekend.”

The team have two days to continue preparations on the Honda’s and set a solid plan for the event ahead of free practice on Friday.