Team Orelac Racing VerdNatura completed two days of testing at Phillip Island and is now looking forward to the start of this year’s World Supersport Championship this coming weekend. Nacho Calero was forced to miss most of Monday’s test because of illness and was still not 100% fit today. Nevertheless he still managed to put in 60 laps overall, giving gave the team valuable feedback ahead of the first day of practice this coming Friday. His teammate ‘Fahmi’ Khairuddin completed 100 laps over the two days and quickly became comfortable with his Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Nacho Calero 60 laps, best lap 1:37.021
“I am happy because the bike feels very good already and I think that it will be suited to this track. I am not happy because I have been ill and have not been able to ride as much as I would’ve liked. It has been difficult to do many laps, but I am on the mend and looking forward to first practice this Friday. Hopefully, I will be back to normal by then and fit enough to really get the best out of the bike.”
Zulfahmi (Fahmi) Khairuddin 100 laps, best lap 1:35.670
“I expected a bit more, but I am happy with the work we’ve done these two days. There are a few things we can improve, but that’s normal at this stage. I think we can cut at least a second off the lap time and that means we can be competitive. I think the bike has potential and I am really enjoying riding it round here. My feeling with it is really good already and I am looking forward to the next time out and making more improvements.”
Team Manager – Giulio Bardi
“I am pretty happy with our performance over the two days – especially when you consider that Nacho was not fit. The team have worked really well and we achieved our target, which was to understand what the riders wanted from the bike and then go in the right direction. Both riders showed good speed and I am sure there will be more improvements to come when we start the first race weekend this Friday.”
Team Owner – Jose Calero
“This is a new team and having two riders means a lot more than last year when we just had one. However, the whole team has worked very hard and I think the signs are very positive for the future. This championship is not easy, but we have made a good start and now we can build on that this coming weekend.”
