De Alessio Piana / Corsedimoto.com
Mike Di Meglio, Josh Hook and Yuki Takahashi, FCC TSR Honda riders in END EWC, answered questions from journalists by revealing new features for 2021.
On the occasion of " Honda Motorcycle Motorsport Activities Plan“, the presentation of the 2021 sporting activities of the house with the golden wing linked to motorcycles, the HRC press office organized a Meeting via Zoom reserved for the specialized press with the presence of the official riders of the HRC World Superbike Team and FCC TSR Honda France in the FIM EWC Endurance World Championship. An opportunity to exchange with Josh Hook, Mike Di Meglio and the new recruit Yuki Takahashi plans for 2021, after the triumphant debut of the new CBR 1000RR-R inaugurated at the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans last August.
GREAT START
On the first try, the new Fireblade in FCC TSR Honda France colors won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A prestigious stage for the team already crowned 2017/2018 EWC World Champion, even more so taking into account the prerequisites for this feat. “ We had only tested the bike during a short test at Le Mans last March, so we did not expect this super competitiveness during the 24-hour weekend ", remember Mike Di Meglio, who is approaching his third season with FCC TSR. “We didn't know what to expect, but in reality the bike turned out to be extremely competitive. For us, it was a victory… Incredible! We have to thank Yuki (Takahashi) who did some testing in Japan during our lockdown period, so now we are confident thinking about 2021. We have to do a lot of testing to confirm ourselves at this level and fight for the world title. »
Josh Hook is of the same opinion, already with FCC TSR Honda in 2015 at the 8 Hours of Suzuka and All Japan Superbike, then later becoming EWC World Champion 2017/2018, at the time teamed with Freddy Foray and Alan Techer. “ For 5 years, I have been part of this team which for me now represents a family. The new CBR? I can only say fantastic! We won on our debut at Le Mans and got on the podium at the Estoril 12 Hours. For next year we start among the favorite teams, and over the last three years we have always finished in the top 3 of the championship. For sure, the CBR RR-R is doing well, as evidenced by the fact that, in all championships, it has proven to be a competitive motorcycle. When Honda presents a new motorcycle, it never goes slowly, it's a guarantee... »
Hook, Di Meglio and Foray celebrate victory at Le Mans
THE DREAM OF YUKI TAKAHASHI
As a replacement for Freddy Foray, not reconfirmed for the 2021 season, the FCC TSR Honda team will return by fielding a Japanese driver, by the firm desire of Masakazu Fujii. After several applications were considered, the choice fell on Yuki Takahashi, a still very fast rider, so much so that he became All Japan ST1000 Champion with the new Honda CBR 1000RR-R of the Japan Post Honda Dream team with the support of TSR. “ My dream has always been to become World Champion », remembers the former protagonist of the 250cc World Championship. “ I tried in MotoGP, but it was difficult. I did some Superbike racing and, even then, it wasn't easy. So in recent years I returned to competition in Japan, and won several championships, but I always had this dream in my head. Months ago, Fujii-San (Masakazu Fujii) told me: “You still have a chance to become World Champion by running for my team. » I replied “Wow! ", I couldn't believe it! »
Yuki Takahashi contributed to the development of the new CBR 1000RR-R on behalf of the team, carrying out a first test at Suzuka last July. His contribution was not neglected, so much so that he returned to FCC TSR Honda after his experience in 2010 at the Suzuka 8 Hours. “ I honestly don't know what to expect from world endurance races Yuki admitted. “ Until now, I have always raced at Suzuka: a demanding race, but I have never faced the 24-hour races. I am convinced that Josh and Mike will help me… Will I have to change anything in my physical preparation? Yes, with my trainer we changed the training program with more mountain bikes and a lot of indoor training. I'm preparing like I've never done before. »
Yuki Takahashi with Masakazu Fujii
DEVELOPMENTS 2021
If Yuki Takahashi will work on the physical level, Technical Sports Racing is already working to refine the development of the CBR 1000RR-R in EWC configuration. “ I know they are working hard in Japan to find new solutions "Says Mike Di Meglio. « In my opinion, the main focus area is electronics. Since the first contact in March at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there has been a lot of progress, but I am convinced that there is still room for improvement. " For Josh Hook, there are other priorities: “ Balance, above all. Great steps have been taken so far, but we will have to try to find a better compromise to get the most out of the Bridgestone. Soon the team will test various new Showa products in Japan and, I am convinced, they will help us for 2021. »
