THE FHO Racing team has concluded its pre-season testing programme with two days of weather-disrupted action at Silverstone.
With just a week to go until the first round of the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship kicks-off at the famous Northants circuit, the squad joined others in getting two final days on track on Wednesday and Thursday.
But the weather caused issues for all riders and teams, as strong winds and changeable conditions affected track conditions throughout both days.
Despite this, superbike riders Peter Hickman and Ryan Vickers along with the team’s Pirelli National Superstock riders Alex Olsen and Jack Nixon, made the most of the event to try and get as much track time as possible under their belts as they continue to make strides forward with the BMW M 1000 RR.
Peter Hickman (Superbike) P15, 54.300secs
“This is probably the worst test I think I’ve ever had. Obviously the weather’s been horrendous, there’s been a lot of rain there’s been a lot of wind there been in between, it wasn’t full wet it wasn’t full dry – it was just horrible.
“We’re struggling a bit here but we knew we would at Silverstone. For whatever reason, I just do not get on with this 0 tyre on this bike in is current state. I get to the same lap time comfortably but can’t get past it and if I try, I end up highsiding. It’s not a great feeling knowing we have to come back next week but I think the only saving grace is we’re getting it out of the way early!”
Ryan Vickers (Superbike) P12, 54.194secs
“Testing has gone as well as it could’ve given the weather I think. Day one was good, I was pretty fast straight away and felt comfortable with the bike. We seem to have very good race pace and we did some really good long runs which was great. The races are the most important thing on race weekends so that’s a big box ticked.
“The weather was annoying, especially with a new bike and new team it would be really nice to go out and do consistent runs but it’s not been easy, the wind has been really difficult but it’s been nice to get back out on the bike and get some more laps in.”
Alex Olsen (Superstock) P5, 55.179secs
“All in all, I think it’s been a good two days for me. The weather didn’t play ball much, but considering the conditions we were riding in and the actual track conditions, I think we set quite a good pace and we got comfortable with the bike.
“Obviously, it would’ve been a lot better had we been able to get some more dry laps under our belt but you know, this is England and we sometimes can’t expect too much! The bike feels good, the team’s great and it all looks good ahead of the new season. I’m looking forward to it.
Jack Nixon (Superstock) P8, 55.473secs
“Despite the weather I think we’ve had a good test. Coming off Snetterton I felt confident and it gave me a bit of momentum going into Silverstone and when I arrived, the bike felt like mine straight away which was great.
“Now I think it’s just about keeping that momentum rolling, keep on learning and keep on improving. I know it isn’t about the times at a test but we seem to be getting better every time we go out on the bike and I think that is all we can really ask for at this point.”
Faye Ho, FHO Racing team owner:
“It has been a difficult test for the team, it’s obviously been the same for everyone but as always, the boys worked tirelessly to battle all the conditions the weather threw at us and tried to make the most of what we had to work with.
“Peter has been struggling a bit which does frustrate him but he’s ever the professional and determined to try and work around it, while Ryan is doing exactly what he needs to do, getting the laps in and he already feels much happier.
“Both Alex and Jack have had a good couple of days with the Superstock bikes and have clearly made some good progress, with Jack settling in very well. The real show begins next week at round one and we’re all very excited to get going.”
*Images: Double Red
