Philip Neil: “Waters has that big smile back”

Former Australian Superbike champion Josh Waters has left Cartagena having made positive steps forwards on his Suzuki return, after a woeful 2013 season on the Milwaukee Yamaha, finishing the test with lap times comparable to that of his new teammate John Hopkins.

The Aussie, who has enjoyed considerable successes in the past with Suzuki, was able to lower his lap times into the 1:35 minute bracket, only a second off fastest man Tommy Bridewell, who replaced him at Milwaukee Yamaha.

Speaking after the test, he said: “After such a long time off the bike over the winter it was good to have four days with the Tyco Suzuki boys and be back on a GSX-R1000 Superbike. It’s a really strong team and I’ve already settled in well and feel relaxed and confident. We made progress over the four days and it also gave me time to work with my new crew.

“I’ve also gelled really well with Hopper as a team-mate and we had a lot of fun at Cartagena. The goal is to work together this season, which will only make both of us stronger. I’m now really looking forward to a positive second season in British Superbike with a great bunch of guys.”

Team manager Philip Neil concluded: “Despite having three new riders in our garage at Cartagena, I have to say things ran very smoothly indeed. Lap times were not the optimum goal this week, but we were well within the ballpark and I’m very pleased with the progress we made day-on-day. Josh has that big smile back on his face, which is great to see. He too was posting impressive and consistent lap times on the GSX-R1000 Superbike, so we have to be pleased overall.”

For full coverage from the four-day Cartagena see this Wednesday 12th March’s Motorcycle News.