Day two of MSS Discovery Kawasaki’s Almeria test saw young riders Stuart Easton and Billy McConnell make further progress in their first test of 2008. Both riders improved their times by more than 1.5 seconds at the 2.67-mile Spanish circuit as they spent the day testing their new Pirelli tyres and making suspension and geometry changes to their 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10Rs. Tomorrow is the final day of the test, before the 12-strong team take a well-earned day off before a further test at Guadix.

Stuart Easton:
“I’m well pleased that we’ve cut a big chunk of time from our best day one times. That’s more progress and that’s just what we need. We’ve made a lot of geometry changes and some to the fork springs. We’re just experimenting really and trying some different things to see how the bike behaves. With the improved weather we did quite a few more laps than on day one. Fitness-wise, I’m OK after such a long lay-off with the injury, although I do feel a bit stiff when I’m off the bike.”
Billy McConnell:
“We’re still moving forward and getting to grips with the tyres which is interesting. I’ve ridden on Pirellis on a Superbike before so it’s a re-adjustment for me after a season on treaded tyres. We’re just chipping away at things really making a few gradual changes and the bike’s slowly getting there – which is good. The Ninja ZX-10R gives you a massive kick from the 600 I rode last year and there’s more to come from the motor, which is great. Bring it on!”
Tam boss Nick Morgan:
“Another very positive day. The boys have so far completed more than 100 laps and that’s giving us much-needed feedback. We can see that the bike is reacting differently to last year’s, thanks in part to the new tyres, but we really need this data before the start of the season. Both Stuart and Billy picked up about another 1.6 seconds from day one’s time, which means we’re closer to the big boys. With the whole team here as well as a new tyre technician from Pirelli the team are gelling well. We’ve been experimenting with various things here, trying different wheelbases, moving the swingarm pivot and playing with the slipper clutch. We could have done with having more engine work done in time for this test, but that will come.”