*Leading EWC squad revs up for title challenge with successful winter test
*It tries out 2024-spec CBR1000RR-R Fireblade over three days in Japan
*Di Meglio, Hook and Techer to continue as riding trio for upcoming EWC season
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s bid to reclaim the FIM Endurance World Championship crown is under way following a successful test at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan last week.
Mike Di Meglio, Josh Hook and Alan Techer, who have been confirmed as the squad’s three riders for 2024, were all in action during the three-day test from 13-15 December.
They were tasked with conducting “various tests on each part of the bike to determine the best directional specification” for the TSR-EWC Spec 2024 model Honda, according to F.C.C. TSR Honda France.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France won the FIM Endurance World Championship for Teams in 2022 but lost out on back-to-back titles in a thrilling season-deciding Bol d’Or 24-hour race at Circuit Paul Ricard in September.
“This test was very good for us,” said 35-year-old Frenchman Di Meglio. “We tested the new bike, we compared with the old one. Big thanks to TSR and Honda because they make a big step in the front. The bike is turning very good, impressive compared to the old machine. We are very excited for 2024, we’ll fight for the title.”
Josh Hook, F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s 30-year-old Australian, said: “We had a very positive test, the first look at the new 2024 CBR 1000. It was really good. The team have done an amazing job and the bike felt good immediately. We are looking very strong [for next season]. We know there’s a lot of things that need to happen, but the first impression on the on the new bike was a relief. The engine is working well, the electronics, also and the chassis has made a big step forward from last year. This was the most important thing we were struggling with [in 2023] and it looks like they've improved in that area.”
French rider Techer, 29, said: “First of all, I was very happy to be back on the bike. I didn't know the track, but I learn a new, fantastic track. The bike was just amazing, so I want to say thank you Honda and TSR because they did a very good job. I take a lot of pleasure on the bike, and we improve a lot. We test a lot of things and I’m sure we are competitive for Le Mans and for all the races. I’m very excited to start the new championship with this bike and I’m sure we can make a good season. The target is to get back the number one.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France Team Manager and TSR owner Masakazu Fujii said: “The annual Okayama Winter Test was held over three days from 13-15 December, with all three riders taking part. The final day was cut short early due to thick fog, but the previous two days were spent in good conditions. With the addition of staff from Europe, the basic specifications were decided for 2024 season. From now on we will concentrate our preparations on the opening race, the 24 Heures Motos. This January and February will be based on the specifications we have gained from this test.”
The 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans is set to open the 2024 EWC season from 18-21 April when F.C.C. TSR Honda France will carry the #5. It used #1 in 2023 and began its title defence by winning the 24 Heures Motos.
FIM Endurance World Cup calendar refresher
Round 1: 24 Heures Motos (Le Mans, France): 18-21 April
Ticket info: https://ticket.24h-motos.com/content
Round 2: 8 Hours of Spa Motos (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium): 6-8 June
Ticket info: https://www.spamotos.com/en/
Round 3: 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, Japan): 18-21 July
Ticket info: Coming soon at https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/en/
Round 4: Bol d’Or (Circuit Paul Ricard, France): 12-15 September
Ticket info: https://boldor.com/billetterie/
ENDS
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