FHO Racing BMW kick off 2021 campaign with a positive debut at Silverstone
The FHO Racing BMW team made their Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut at the official test at Silverstone, with the much-anticipated new BMW M 1000 RR breaking cover and kicking off the new season with a positive opening two days.
Faye Ho’s dynamic new-look team utilised the two days of official testing action to begin working through a concise programme, analysing feedback from their vastly experienced riders Xavi Forés and Peter Hickman, who had their first taste of the new BSB specification machinery.
The initial track time gave the riders the opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the team and the riders are already impressed by the characteristics of the new model, with Xavi leading the team’s charge to show top seven pace.
Roadhouse Macau by FHO Racing BMW rider Brian McCormack was also getting his first laps with the new BMW, lapping faster than he did at the event last year, to show he is also quickly adapting ahead of the new season.
In the Pirelli National Superstock Championship Alex Olsen made a welcome return to the track after his injury of last season; setting a time 0.6 seconds adrift of the pace-setting lap, despite having not ridden since last year to show early promise on his debut outing with the FHO Racing BMW team.
Xavi Forés:
P11, 53.591s
“We have had a good couple of days at the first official test here at Silverstone; we have been testing some parts so that we can get understanding of the new BMW M 1000 RR. Overall, my pace was very consistent and I felt strong. We didn’t get a flying lap for a lap time, but we were able to stay in the top seven in every session and that consistency is important, so I am happy we have found that here. I was focused on working on our race pace and tyre life and the team have done a great job and we now already have some more ideas for Snetterton next week.”
Peter Hickman:
P15, 54.079s
“I am happy with how the first test has gone considering we have just turned the wheels for the first time on the FHO Racing BMW. I am happy with how it feels and am comfortable on it already, which is a really good and positive thing. We have been working through a lot of things on our testing programme and there is something that I would like to get the bike to do still, but its only the first test and overall I already feel really comfortable and that was important here.
“I wasn’t that far off where I was last year on a bike that I had a lot more experience with and also the conditions were cooler here for this test, so I am happy with the start we have made for sure. Overall I am really happy and there is an awesome atmosphere in the team and everyone has worked well together. It has been fun and I have enjoyed being part of the new FHO team and I feel like it is going to be a really good year for us.”
Brian McCormack:
P25, 55.434s
“I have had a great two days with the Roadhouse Macau by FHO Racing BMW team and I feel it has been a successful two days and I have learnt a lot. The team have prepared some unbelievable bikes, and although it is a lot to learn, I am already faster than last year so I am really excited to get in some more laps now at Snetterton. I need to thank Faye, Roadhouse and everyone who has made this an amazing couple of days to start the season.”
Alex Olsen:
P14, 55.767s
“It was really great to be back on track again after not riding for eight months, so to get some miles under my belt and get into riding again felt great. I think we can be really competitive with this new package and for me, I need to start building momentum back up, so having these tests will really help and I am looking forward to Snetterton now and working with the FHO Racing BMW team to continue making good progress.”
Team Principal & CEO. Faye Ho:
“Unveiling my new team livery for the first time was overwhelming. The response from the paddock, media and fans has been unbelievable. We have all been working very hard to get our new BMW M 1000 RR Superbikes out on track here at Silverstone, so to finally see them set off down pitlane in all their glory was a very proud moment. Considering this was our first time out on the bike with limited parts and testing, we showed we were competitive from the start. We gained some real positives and in all the team was working very well with a great atmosphere. The team will now head back to the workshops to continue development and preparation for the next test where I hope we can move forward with the project”.
