Honda has finally unveiled the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade with which Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam will fight for the 2021 Superbike title. Aesthetically very similar to last year’s version, the bike has been updated across various areas, as confirmed by both the riders and new team manager Leon Camier.
Bautista: "My feeling with the CBR is great"
The Spaniard had rather a fluctuating 2020 season, but he did get the Honda back on the podium during his first season with the Tokyo manufacturer's bike. This year, he’s aiming high and can also count on a new technical package.
"It’s been a long winter but I trained hard physically and became a father for the second time so I was kept busy”, jokes the Spaniard. “My feeling with the CBR is great and testing has been positive. The bike is similar to that of last year, but improved in every detail, especially the electronics. We have what we need to win with the Honda".
Haslam: "The bike will adapt well to the new tracks"
The British rider is also optimistic and more than ready for the new season: “I’ve done some flat track training in Barcelona to improve my control and I think I can improve on my 2020 performance. The bike has improved and I know it better, so we can aim to win some races".
"We’ll have some new tracks on the calendar this year, like Navarra and Mandalika. That could be an advantage for us, because the Honda is a very versatile bike that will be able to adapt quickly to new tracks”, concludes the 37-year old.
Translated by Heather Watson
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