Pata Honda Team launches 2013 campaign
Verona's annual motorcycle exhibition Motor Bike Expo was stage for the Pata Honda Team official presentation, which took place two days ago in front of a huge crowd. The team's World Superbike duo of Jonathan Rea and new signing Leon Haslam was joined by Lorenzo Zanetti and Michael van der Mark, both to make their World Supersport Championship race debut at Phillip Island on February, 24th.
Racing fans and motorcycle enthusiasts attending the event had the opportunity for a first look at the team coloured Honda CBR1000RR and CBR600RR that will compete this year in the two global production-based series. The all new livery designed for the 2013 season features logos of new sponsors Pata and Tonello Energie.
"This is a really exciting moment" said Rea after the unveiling of the team and its new racing livery. "I think the bikes and the leathers look great and we know that there are some exciting developments for the CBR for this season, so I can't wait for it to start."
"It's great for me to be back with Honda for 2013" Haslam added "and I'm really happy with the whole look of the Pata Honda team. We've got a two-day test in Jerez next week, before all the kit has to be packed up for Australia. The first round can't come soon enough for me!"
Haslam recently spoke to WorldSBK.com about the season ahead and the successful operation he underwent to remove two screws from his right leg, that were placed eleven months ago to correct the injury sustained at Phillip Island during a pre-season test:
"The winter always feels very long, this year we spent it in England training and I also had an operation to get the screws out from my tibia. From a racing point of view I'm a lot fitter than I was last season. In 2012 it was an injury after another, now I'm now nearly 100% fit."
The team will perform a two-day test at Jerez starting tomorrow to evaluate the modifications made on the Honda CBR1000RR during the winter break, as Haslam explains in detail: "The changes involve many areas of the bike, there are some modifications to the weight distribution and we have an upgrade in suspension. Ten Kate have put a lot of effort into engine development and Honda will introduce new electronics for the season. Of course we have to work on these improvements in order to use them during the season."
