Cold weather hampers Castrol Honda’s first test, but new livery shines through

Castrol Honda riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus were only able to complete one day of a scheduled two day test at Aragon due to poor weather conditions in Spain. Despite the lack of track time both riders got their first taste of the new Aragon circuit having missed testing at the venue in November last year.

Rea completed over 30 laps and was able to at least learn the track and give his technicians information on gearing in preparation for the June race at the circuit.

Following the launch of the team just two days earlier it was the first time the new Castrol Honda bike livery and leathers had been seen on track.

Speaking to MCN, Rea said: “It was cold but the sun was out. I was sat in the garage waiting to go out and I could see the sun shinning off the bike in pit lane and it just looked really cool. It’s a bit surreal really. I’ve got the same team around me but it feels completely different – the new colours make it a fresh new challenge – it’s a new chapter.”

It was also the first time Rea got to show off his new number. After finishing fourth in the 2010 championship standings the 23 year old swapped his trademark number 65 for number 4.

He said: “It’s no big deal. I spoke to my manager Chuck (Askland) and we talked about having a Ricky Carmichael style number four instead of my 65. Thinking about the future, Loris Capirossi is obviously number 65 and if I ever got the chance to race against him in the big pond I’d obviously have to change.

“I ran number 4 in BSB in 2007 and took the championship down to the wire with Kiyonari so it’s a good number for me to. I think the number 4 looks good on the bike, but its still the same guy behind the bars.”

For full insight into the test and world exclusive pictures of Rea in action onboard the Castrol Honda see MCN out Wednesday 26th January 2010.