Smrz set for Knockhill and targeting the top six
Jakub Smrz is aiming to build on his top ten finishes in the opening three rounds of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as the Padgetts Honda team target the top six.
Smrz joined the team just ahead of the season and the Padgetts Honda team were limited like many of their rivals with testing due to the weather conditions, however the former World Superbike contender believes they have made good progress.
Smrz said: "It was really last minute that we could start the season and before Brands Hatch we had just a few days of testing and they were all in terrible conditions. I'm quite happy with our improvement and the team have done a great job, but we are still not where we want to be. At Thruxton we were doing great in the first sessions, but after qualifying was cancelled due to heavy rain we still needed more time before the race. Oulton Park was another big step forward and we had constant top ten pace, but of course as we were getting faster other problems start to come up which caused many mistakes."
Smrz has been getting to grips with the Honda after several seasons racing Ducatis, but admits he is adjusting well and just needs to keep pushing over the next few rounds as he bids to move up the order.
"I've spent six years on 2 cylinder with full electronics set-up options," added Smrz. "Now I'm mostly riding on new tracks with a different bike without traction control and very simple engine brake setting and that's the biggest problem. Once I start pushing hard I am not as confident and using old habits from the twin but we are working hard and at Oulton Park we found a few solutions to try at the next races."
Smrz's best result was a tenth place in the opening race at Thruxton and having scored points in all but one race so far this season, he is hoping to turn the consistency into improvements and is aiming high for the forthcoming events.
Smrz concluded: "Of course fighting for the top ten isn't what I want to do and where I want to be, but we all know how difficult it is in the first season of BSB and how tough the Championship is. At the moment before I feel totally confident on the bike with familiar tracks I'm just trying to finish the races and score points to be close to the top six. The Showdown system is really good and hopefully it will help me to be part of the top six riders fighting to become champion.
"The next race is Knockhill where we had a test, but it still won't be easy and Cadwell Park is also going to be difficult. Snetterton looks like a 'European style' track where we had the pre-season test and could immediately go fast and I am really looking forward to riding there. The other tracks like Brands Hatch and Donington I already know and of course it will be a little easier as I know almost all tracks. I just need to get some more feeling with the bike and sure on tracks I know well we could be very fast!"
The next round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship takes place at Knockhill 14-16 June. For tickets and more information click here.
Last updated: Friday, May 31, 2013
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