Beowulf Racing have just completed the first day of their pre-season test at the Spanish circuit of Cartagena. Although all three of the team’s riders, Dan Linfoot, Gino Rea and Pat McDougall, became progressively faster aboard their Yamaha YZF-R6’s as the day wore on, the Somerset-based squad sensibly decided to concentrate on machinery set-up rather than chasing lap times around the 2.2-mile track.
A light afternoon shower provided a slight hiatus to the day’s proceedings, but the team ended the practice sessions comfortably on the pace alongside the other British Supersport teams which are present.
Andy Stone, Team Owner: "All three riders are on very similar lap times but we’re here to work on testing and set-up, we’ve another month to go before we race. I’ve been working mainly on the Ohlins suspension for Pat and Gino’s bikes today and I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved. Dan’s running White Power shocks on his machine so he’s been working directly with his own mechanic, John Preston. Pat’s Supersport engine is bedding in well and is easily a match for the other British championship teams which are here."
Pat McDougall, British Supersport Cup: "I’m still getting used to the R6, but I’m very happy with the engine - it’s got plenty of power. We’ve experimented a lot with suspension today, putting in harder springs at the front and making rebound changes at the back. We’ll go softer at the front tonight and maybe harder at the rear and then see what tomorrow brings. It’s more a case of making lots of little changes than one big change."
Gino Rea, European Superstock 600 Championship: "I started the day on my number two bike and then switched to my number one bike later on. The number one bike definitely felt better. I’d like to have gone faster but we’ve been using old tyres which was a little frustrating. Overall I’m happy. We’re making some overnight suspension changes and with fresh rubber tomorrow I should get to where I want to be."
Dan Linfoot, European Superstock 600 Championship "It’s a shame it rained today as it brought a slight halt to our progress. We went backwards and forwards on our settings for the WP suspension this morning but we found a good baseline in the afternoon after we popped in a new tyre. I’ve been working on the bike I’ll be using at the faster circuits today and I’ll move onto my other bike, which we’ll use at the majority of the races this year, tomorrow."