MOTORCYCLING: Bardney's Ivan completes successful Spanish testing

Bardney road race specialist Ivan Lintin recently completed his first test session with the Devitt RC Express Racing Team in preparation for the forthcoming International road racing season, including the 2016 Isle of Man TT races, with four successful days spent at the Spanish circuit of Cartagena.

Ivan Lintin. Photo: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press International

Ivan, who won last year’s Lightweight TT, spent the four days on the ZX-10R Superbike and ZX-6R Supersport machines and immediately improved his times set at the corresponding test 12 months ago. He completed 190 laps in total and, although he had a low speed spill on the second day, he was extremely happy with the amount of work done and in the improvements he was able to make.

Ivan said: “It was really good to get plenty of bike time in the sun over in Spain and I was able to get through a lot of work. I was particularly pleased with the laps and time I got on the Superbike and felt very happy with how it was working and how comfortable I felt, so that should stand me in good stead for the year ahead.

“The 600 hasn’t changed much since last year and we’ll have a new engine for when the season starts, but we made a few suspension changes which were definitely a step in the right direction. I had a small off on the big bike on the second day but I was soon back up to speed and without a doubt, it was an extremely successful test.”

Team co-owner Ben Constable added: “It was a mega test for the Devitt RC Express Racing team and we were able to get plenty of work done. We’re still awaiting a few parts for the 2016 ZX-10R but Ivan was able to carry on from where he left off this time last year and he was straight back into the swing of things.

“He had a bit of a tumble when he was pushing hard, particular with the edge grip, but he looked impressive throughout the four days.”

The team has scheduled more testing for later this month in the UK prior to their first race outing of the year at the Spring National, Scarborough on April 16-17.