Thailand levels the WSS playing field

CIA LANDLORD INSURANCE HONDA is relishing the challenge of a new circuit on the World Supersport calendar when the second round of the Championship takes place at Thailand’s Chang International venue this Sunday, March 22nd.

Simon Buckmaster, CIA Landlord Insurance Honda’s team manager, said: “A new circuit levels the playing field for everyone. We will all be starting from the same point with no data or on-track experience.

“We are confident we can perform here. With Gino we are looking at competing for the podium again to establish him as a title contender. He has recovered from his foot operation so is physically in better shape now.

“Ricky and Martin are also in good shape. I do think they have a great chance at Chang as no one has raced there before, it’s going to be down to applying themselves and learning as fast as they can.

”Kieran has learned a lot about the bike and we will do all we can to get him a good points finish.”

CIA Landlord Insurance Honda’s Gino Rea made a stunning start to the season with third place in the opening round and is looking for more success. Martin Cardenas and Riccardo Russo both suffered tyre woes in Australia when battling for the top 10. Kieran Clarke on his comeback ride after a three-year absence finished 18th.

The Chang International Circuit located in the Buriram province is 4554 metres long and boasts 12 corners. It is located in the northeast of the country, 250-miles from Bangkok, and can host 50,000 spectators. Temperatures are expected to be high at approximately 35 degrees Celsius.

There are practice sessions on Friday ahead of a practice session and Qualifying session on Saturday. The race takes place at 1430 local time on Sunday, 22nd March.