2012 Endurance World Championship Preview Video
After a successful debut in the 2011 Endurance World Championship, the Honda TT Legends team returns for the 2012 season, which gets underway this weekend with the first of five rounds for the Bol d’Or at Magny Cours.
The team, which includes 17-time Isle of Man TT winner Jonh McGuinness and Cameron Donald, and newcomers Simon Andrews and Gary Johnson, took last year’s experience to develop the team for 2012.
Last year, the then-rookie team took fifth at Bol d’Or, the Le Mans 24-Hour and the 8-Hours of Doha, finishing the season in seventh overall.
For 2012, the UK-based team will contest on the 20th Anniversary, ABS-equipped Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
And it all begins with weekend at Magny Cours (April 14-15). For a video preview, check the attached above.
Honda TT Legends Team Bol d’Or EWC Preview Quotes:
Neil Tuxworth (Honda TT Legends Team Manager) says: “We have a year of development and racing experience that we didn’t have this time last year and we’ve also completed a successful pre-season testing campaign.
“This means we have much more data and information on the circuit and we are able to start the season in a stronger position with a proven set up for machine. We also now have a fully developed ABS-system, which was in its infancy last season. All this along with the new rider line up will hopefully give us the chance to challenge for the podium at the majority of EWC events this year.”
John McGuinness (Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR) says: “I feel much more confident than this time last year. I am still nervous without a doubt and I’m far from being an experienced endurance rider, but at least I know what lies ahead and just how hard it’s going to be. This is one of the most difficult races of the season and the competition is tough. Having said that, we are in a stronger position now with the bike and the team and hopefully we can build on the work we did last year to improve and get near the podium.”
Cameron Donald (Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR) says: “Although I was here with team last year I came as reserve rider and didn’t get to race so I saw it all from the sidelines. I’m so excited to be back again this year and to have the chance to get out there on track and be in the action. It’s a legendary event and I can’t wait to take part. The test we did a couple of weeks ago went really well, I felt good on the bike and our times were on pace. I’m just going to get my head down and work hard and hopefully we can be challenging in the top three.”
Gary Johnson (Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR) says: “I’m feeling excited but apprehensive about the race. I have never done an endurance race before and the test was the first time I’ve ridden this track. It is always difficult doing something you’ve never done before and there is no doubt that it is going to be tough, but I am really looking forward it. We’ve got a good few days of practice and qualifying ahead and I think once I’ve got that under my belt, I’ll be feeling less nervous and ready to race.”
Simon Andrews (Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR) says: “After some good testing here a couple of weeks ago and a long off-season of rehab and physio on my leg, I’m really ready to get back on the bike. I’m looking forward to seeing how we get on pitched against some of the top teams in endurance. I’ve done an 8-hour endurance race before but never a 24-hour. I’m sure it’s going to be tough but I feel confident that we have a good team behind us and I think we can get out there and be competitive.”
Follow the Bol d’Or live on Motors TV or FIM-TV.com on Saturday and Sunday (check websites for times).
2012 Bol d’Or Endurance World Championship Schedule (all in local time):
Thursday, April 12
12.00 – 14.30 Free practice
16.45 – 19.15 First qualifying (30 minutes per rider)
21.15 – 22.15 Night practice
Friday, April 13
10.40 – 13.10 Second qualifying (30 minutes per rider)
Saturday, April 14
10.30 – 11.15 Warm-up
15.00 Race begins
Sunday, April 15
15.00 Race ends
