Honda grows wings

Unveiled in the impressive Hangar-7 in Austria yesterday, the Honda World Superbike team officially launched their stunning 2017 livery as they join forces with energy drink company, Red Bull.

In what is set to be a big year for the team, Nicky Hayden and Stefan Bradl displayed their new bikes – Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 – with their new sponsor with a live stream for fans to feel part of the action.

Taking on the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship for the second season, American Nicky Hayden is looking to improve on his rookie season in WorldSBK and is looking forward to the challenge they are set to take on.

Hayden explained: “It’s a new year with a new bike, new title partner and new team mate, so there are definitely many changes ahead and a lot of things to look forward to. This is my second year in World Superbike so I hope to take the experience I made last year and take it up to the next level. I’m really glad to get back together with Red Bull, who I have represented in the past, and it’s a great opportunity for me. We have to focus now on the job ahead and work as hard as we can in order to be ready for the season opener. The level of the competition is higher than ever and we have a big job ahead of us, but everybody is really motivated and I cannot wait to get started.”

Joining Hayden is Stefan Bradl, who makes the step over from MotoGP for 2017 and will be continued to be supported by Red Bull. Understanding it may take a while to fully understand the new Fireblade, the German is keen to get the season underway.

“I’m really looking forward to the new season!” Beamed Bradl, “It’s a whole new experience for me, and a new championship where I’ve never raced before. It’s going to be a very interesting partnership with Honda and Red Bull, which is undoubtedly an amazing brand, and one that has been supporting me for my whole racing career. I’m really happy to be a Red Bull athlete and even happier now that it has also become the team’s title partner. We have the chance to represent the brand in each and every event all around the world, so I’m really excited about that. We have a new Fireblade for the season, so it will take a little bit of time to dial it in but we’ll do our best to take it to the top as soon as possible. All in all it’s a great project and step by step we will make it a successful one.”

WorldSBK