Schumacher tests Honda World Superbike

Michael Schumacher’s motorcycle racing career continues to arouse respect and bewilderment. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion recently tested with the number one Honda World Superbike team, prompting some to question his claims that he has no ambition to race bikes at a high level.

Schumacher rode a full day at Magny-Cours with the Ten Kate outfit, riding a more highly tuned version of the Honda Fireblade he currently races in the German superbike series. After eight outings the German set respectable lap times, just four seconds slower than the Dutch team’s fastest rider, Carlos Checa.

“It was difficult to understand the machinery fully with such a short amount of time, but it was a great experience,” said Schumacher. “It was also good to be a team-mate to Carlos, who I have known for a number of years.”

Data-logging showed Schumacher was losing time on the brakes, but was getting on the throttle so hard he had problems controlling wheelies.
Mat Oxley