The Drive M7 SIC Racing Team confirmed yesterday that they will be switching to Honda machinery in 2016. The team will be using two NSF250RW bikes, replacing the KTM bikes that are being used currently.
The Malaysian team said that strongly believes that the new partnership with Honda will enhance the team’s performance and open the door for greater success in 2016.
Dato’ Razlan Razali, the CEO of Sepang International Circuit said, “We are extremely thankful to Honda Racing Corporation for supplying us with the Honda machines for next season. Honda has proven last year and especially this year to be extremely competitive and we sincerely appreciate them delivering the bikes for our two riders in 2016.”
“Besides providing the bike for the team there is a lot more that we can do with the local Honda distributor here in Malaysia; it’s the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle for us with our involvement in the Asia Talent Cup, where all the riders are using Honda machines. With this partnership we can transfer knowledge and expertise from our Moto3 team to the Asia Talent Cup,” he added.
Johan Stigefelt, the team manager for the Drive M7 SIC Racing Team on the other hand, said that they have gained a lot of experience from our first year in Moto3 as a team and I think the switch to Honda will be a step in the right direction for them.
“We have a good connection with HRC in terms of our relationship with Sepang International Circuit and the Asia Talent Cup. With regards to performance we know the Honda is very strong and can fit well into our structure and with our riders. I’m very pleased to have this opportunity and that Honda Racing Corporation have agreed on this partnership with us,” he said.
Dunlop Motorsport and Dorna Sports announced that they have signed a contract for the exclusive supply of tyres for the 2016 season of Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup.
According to the contract, Dunlop will supply next season’s tyres and offer technical support to the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, extending their agreement with Dorna from which Dunlop already supplies tyres to both the Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Championships.
Kazushi Aso, the head of international tyre development and race promotion of Dunlop said, “We’re pleased to be a part of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup as the technical tire supplier. We’d like to appreciate Dorna for accepting us. As you know, in these days, many talented and young riders in Asia are trying to make their carriers and step up in road races in the world. And also the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup has been playing a very important role in that situation by providing them precious opportunities.”
Javier Alonso, managing director of Dorna events area added, “It is a great honour to be able to work with a brand such as Dunlop in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, extending the existing collaboration we have with them in Moto2 and Moto3.”
All set to be unveiled next week at the 2015 Tokyo International Motor Show, Honda has decided to tease us with a darkened image of the new CB500x.
For 2016, Honda said that the CB500X will be receiving a new LED headlight and taillight, as well as a taller windscreen and a hinged fuel cap. The forks now have external preload adjusters as well, while the front brake lever can be adjusted to fit different hand sizes.
The company added that it has made changes o the transmission too, in order to offer riders smoother gear changing experience.
While most markets in the world will be getting the Honda CB500X as it is, it is said that it will be sold as a CB400X in Japan in an effort to comply with local regulations.
