BSB: Mackenzie: 'First tests couldn't have gone better'

Taylor Mackenzie enjoyed two positive tests aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000 he’ll ride in this year’s MCE British Superbike Championship last week.

The National Superstock 1000 Champion missed the test at Mallory Park prior to the team heading out to Spain, so got his first ride on the all-new GSX-R at the Cartagena circuit, where after three days riding he placed tenth quickest of the BSB riders present.

The team then moved on to Almeria, and while the first day was hampered by poor weather conditions, Mackenzie was able to get out on track with team-mate Sylvain Guintoli for the first time. 

The machine Mackenzie rode during the two tests was relatively basic in spec, featuring a stock engine with superbike suspension and brakes. However, the youngster was given a brief session on Guintoli’s Yoshimura Superbike machine, with factory engine, swing arm and carbon fibre subframe.

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“The test was mega, I love the bike, it’s so good and the five days couldn’t really have gone any better,” he said. “If someone said beforehand that this was how it would have gone I’d have bitten their hand off. I spent the first part of the test just learning to ride with BSB-spec electronics and without traction control, as that’s different for me for this year. And then we were fine-tuning chassis setup.

“For things like that it’s good to be having a second year with the team as we know how each other works and we’re just picking up where we left off in that regard. But I did plenty of laps and set personal best lap times at both circuits. It was also good to ride with Sylvain at Almeria as I can learn a lot from him. Hopefully the weather will be kind at the Donington test and we’ll work on getting my bike setup for the first race weekend, but I’m really excited to get back on it.”

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