Returning MCE British Superbike star Gary Mason showed he had lost none of his old magic in the opening free practice session at Brands Hatch, lapping only two seconds slower than series leader Shane Byrne.
The TAG Kawasaki man, who hasn’t ridden in anger for two years, says he is still getting comfortable on the bike, moving bars and footrests, but he is happy with the progress made already in the first 45 minutes.
“I enjoyed it, but it’s warm. Obviously there is a long way to go yet in terms of laptimes but after not riding for two years, I am really happy with the direction we are going in after just one session,” said Mason, speaking to bikesportnews.com after free practice one.
“I am still moving footrests and handlebars to get comfortable on the bike, but every time I went out, we made a step forward so if we keep doing that I will be really happy.
“In terms of the differences between 2011 and now, there aren’t any huge ones. It has the same swingarm, same suspension link, same tank and that is a good thing, it feels familiar straightaway. I will just turn it into my baby and I want to enjoy it.
“The tyres definitely feel like they have a stiffer carcass now. I was on used tyres for most of the session until the end when we put a new one in but I am still getting comfy on the bike so it is pointless throwing tyres at it until I have got the bike where I want.”
