Linxcel-Seton Tuning’s James Webb debuts for the team in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship at Silverstone this weekend following an unfortunate departure from Padgett’s Motorcycles.
Webb said: “I started off the season with Padgett's Honda, things were going ok not as good as when we ended last year.  As the season progressed I got into the top five a couple of times but never the podium I would have liked.  Honda and Padgett's were struck with this financial stuff that is going on at the moment, the same as a lot of teams who are finding it hard and my sponsor said they couldn’t afford to put anymore money into the team so I couldn’t go to croft.”
“Lucky for me but unlucky for Jason [O’Halloran] who was riding for Linxcel-seton and broke his arm at Croft as I then contacted the team.  It’s going alright at the minute the bike is totally different to anything I’ve ridden before.  Things are slowly coming together and we are making load of changes and improvements. I would like to see myself on the first two rows in qualifying and try to get away with boys and see what goes on.”
Not only has Webb got to familiarise himself with the bike, but also the team, their personalities and how they work which so far he feels is going well.  In only three sessions on track Webb has worked himself up to 18th on the grid after taking just under three seconds off his lap time, final qualifying takes place later this afternoon.
Webb said: “I feel I’ve adapted to the bike, I know that I am used to riding a Honda and this is a Yamaha but it has totally different kit bits on it like clutches etc... It’s a case of getting used to how the bike goes into the turns, the different sort of engine braking and the way the bike handles and reacts to things like my riding style.
“It’s been quite tough especially coming straight to a race meeting as you have to go out there pushing hard and try to learn about the bike at the same time.  In the second practice session I was still learning things.”
Webb will finish the season with the team before sitting down and looking at his options for next year, Webb said; “I’ve had couple of offers in Superbike but again it will be down to funding and team budget.  If I did go to Superbikes I would want to be with a team that was capable of the top eight.”
“I wouldn’t mind another year in Supersport whether it was with Linxcel-Seton Tuning or someone else as I feel I am getting to the top of my game in the class and maybe next year could go for the championship.”