The Stiggy Racing Honda pairing of Leon Haslam and John Hopkins are heading to Brno in full confidence for the tenth round of the Superbike World Championship, after concluding a successful two-day test at the flowing track in the Czech Republic two weeks ago.
The test at Brno was followed by the official two-day Pirelli test at Imola, Italy, where the team continued the development of their Stiggy Racing Honda Superbikes as they tested new suspension components and updated parts.
Hopkins showed great pace in both tests and is seeking to display his full potential this weekend onboard his Stiggy Racing Honda CBR1000RR, which has already proven to be a podium contender in the hands of team mate Leon Haslam.
The Englishman-who took the Stiggy Racing Honda Superbike to no less than four podiums in the team’s debut year of Superbike racing-is aiming to further extend his form and ready to provide the first World Superbike win for his team.
Leon Haslam Speaks…
"I am confidently looking forward to the next race at Brno. We have tested here a couple of weeks ago and made a lot of progress in the set-up of the bike. We have learnt a lot about the gearing and mapping of the bike and are aiming to put it into practice this weekend. I am eager to repeat my success at Donington Park and take another podium for the team at Brno."
John Hopkins Speaks…
"I like riding the Brno track. It was my first European track after coming here in my first year of racing overseas in 2000. I have been able to set some decent results here, both in qualifying and racing. It’s a nice and flowing circuit to ride. After our test last week I am feeling confident for the next race. I am working on getting a hundred percent fit again in the days leading up to the race. The bike feels great and I just want to bring it on the podium at Brno this weekend."
Johan Stigefelt Speaks… (Team Manager)
"We have tested in Brno two weeks ago, and have collected some important data which will be of great use this weekend. I am happy with the results of our Brno test and the SBK test at Imola last week. Both John and Leon like riding the Brno track so I hope we can continue the progress we initiated at the tests. We made some steps in the right direction and we will have some new parts for the race this weekend."
Superbike Championship Standings after 9 rounds
1. N.Haga – 308 pts.
2. B.Spies – 294 pts.
3. M.Fabrizio – 257 pts.
4. J.Rea – 177 pts.
5. L.Haslam – 167 pts.
19. John Hopkins – 17 pts.
