Wednesday, May 28 2014

Frenchman Julien Da Costa returns to the MCE British Superbike Championship at Snetterton, meaning 8 different nations have been represented on the grid this year as Honda Racing prepare for their first event of the 2014 season.

Da Costa is no stranger to the MCE BSB paddock having raced in the series in 2009, and admits that when he was offered the opportunity by Neil Tuxworth (Honda UK Racing Manager) alongside his World Endurance commitments he couldn't wait to get started.

Da Costa said: "When Neil offered me the opportunity to develop the BSB Fireblade and be back in a few races in 2014, I was excited. For sure, as soon as I left the championship in 2009, I always wanted to come back, so it's really a pleasure to race in BSB again."

The team tested at Snetterton earlier in the season at the official pre-season test and Da Costa believes the combination of their previous experiences plus the additional development time will put them in a good position ahead of Honda Racing's return.

"We have tested and my feeling with the bike is already good," added Da Costa. "The team have a lot of experience and data with the Fireblade so we have been trying a lot of things to make my confidence grow. We have to remember that we are here to develop the bike and I want to do the best I can.

"The Snetterton test was good; I didn't know the new track, so the first day was all new to me! The second day we tried many things to close the gap between us and the riders at the front. We worked hard and we know which direction we have to go. The improvement will be a surprise in Friday morning at the event for FP1!"

The team were victorious at Snetterton last season in the hands of 2013 champion Alex Lowes, but Da Costa knows that whilst the team have been working hard behind the scenes, so have their opposition.

"I don't know really what to expect," concluded Da Costa. "The Honda can win for sure; I've got to find the right setting. Everybody knows there are very fast riders in BSB so my goal is the top ten to start the weekend and then the top five."

Weekend tickets for the MCE British Superbike round are available now from just £33 for all three days; kids under 13 go free! To book tickets now call 0843 453 9000 or click here.