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14/03/2007 - Honda British Superbike campaign underway

HM Plant Honda’s new signing for 2007 Jonathan Rea has shown his intentions for this season by topping the timing sheets at a recent double Spanish test session.

Rea and his team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari – the reigning BSB champ – had three days at Almeria circuit and a further three-days at Guadix.

Despite the test being his first time back since the Mallory Park Race of the Year crash last October which left him requiring surgery to repair severely damaged knee ligaments, Rea was in impressive form on the full-factory Fireblade that he will ride in the 13-round series.

He topped the timings at both circuits, despite a worrying crash at Gaudix. Rea said: "It’s hard coming back as when I did my first lap at Almeria my knee was very sore, it was strange being back on a bike but it’s getting better each day. My new bike is awesome. It’s got plenty of power and the way it comes in is so smooth."

Champ Kiyo wasn’t too far behind, but Almeria circuit isn’t a favourite. "This is rider problem! Circuit is like Thruxton with long, fast corners which aren’t my favourite."

The first round of the British Superbike Championship takes place at the glorious GP circuit at Brands Hatch over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend of April 7th-9th.