From a pair of press releases:

“SP-2 A WINNER” CLAIMS EDWARDS

Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards continued to improve the development of his new SP-2 machine during Friday¹s action at the Michelin tyre test at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa.

In his bid to regain the World Superbike title the 27-year-old believes the new SP-2 will give him the perfect opportunity in the 13-round championship, which starts at Valencia, Spain on March 10.

Edwards was again in determined mood as he completed a third day at the 2.65-mile circuit, testing set-up, suspension and engine options before trying a host of new tyres from the French company.

“We managed to get through a lot more work today and get into some serious tyre testing,” said Edwards. “Michelin have been doing their homework and some of the race tyres I tried today are a massive improvement on last year’s.

“This year¹s package is really coming together and there¹s every reason to believe the SP-2 can win the 2002 world title.”

Edwards will continue the test on Saturday, with the Castrol Honda team expected to use the morning session only before leaving for Phillip Island in Australia and next week¹s official championship test on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

No lap times were available from Friday¹s test session.


EDWARDS: “SOUTH AFRICAN TEST A SUCCESS”


Castrol Honda¹s Colin Edwards left the four-day Michelin tyre test session at Kyalami, South Africa in buoyant mood after completing his schedule with further track time on Saturday morning.

Edwards completed 274 laps of the Johannesburg circuit in four days before heading off to Phillip Island in Australia for further testing next week.

“Saturday morning’s session was about me trying to complete race distance on potential rear race tyres,” explained the Texan. “We found a really good rear tyre and I¹m hoping the same rear tyre works well under the different temperature and conditions at Phillip Island.

“I feel like we’re in good shape for the season although I still think I’ve got a bit more to come yet. I¹ve not been on a machine for more than six weeks so I was beginning to ache by the end of the test and my hands are covered in blisters.”

Edwards concluded: “I managed to lap a little bit quicker than I did on Friday but at this stage we¹re more focused on getting a race set-up for the new SP-2 than breaking lap records everywhere.”

No lap times were available from Saturday¹s test session.