WSBK – Michael Schumacher tries out the Honda 1000 CBR Ten Kate! –

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Michael Schumacher tries out the Honda 1000 CBR Ten Kate !

WSBK - Michael Schumacher tries out the Honda 1000 CBR Ten Kate! -

Rather discreet in recent weeks, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has once again made headlines by playing luxury freelancers for the reigning world champion team in Superbike World ! But where will the Red Baron stop ?

After remarkable appearances on the paddocks of the MotoGP world championship, the ex-Ferrari rider is kindly stepped up by playing the role of passenger behind the "tightrope" Randy Mamola on the handlebars of the Ducati, then by making his first laps of wheels with this MotoGP on several occasions.

So much so that with his participation in a few races and diligent training for this new passion, many had a presentiment of the German star’s conversion to high-level motorcycle competition (read)! Assertions denied by Schumacher himself, who continues to maintain that the motorcycle is only a hobby … for which we cannot however deny that he has some predispositions !

Already busy developing the all-new high-end modular C3 from Schuberth (1525 g and 84 decibels only at 100 km / h), the former star of motor circuits is nevertheless increasingly present in the world of two- wheels, as during his participation in the 8 Hours of Ochersleben (read) and this unprecedented test – carried out yesterday at Magny-Cours – with the Ten Kate team of the World Superbike !

Reigning world champion with James Toseland, the Dutch team is now racing ex-MotoGP rider Carlos Checa, Supersport world champion Kenan Sofuoglu and brilliant Japanese Ryuichi Kiyonami. And so has just carried out tests on the Nivernaise track, in order to acquire data for the races contested on October 3, 4 and 5..

A common practice in this championship, where the practice circuits must simply be designated before the start of the season. What is less commonplace is the presence of "Schumi" alongside El Toro Checa during this session! Admittedly, the Red Baron has already used a CBR 1000 RR during his participations in the German Superbike Championship, but the gap between a national and world championship is abysmal in terms of preparation. !

Anyway, the certain media impact alone is worth the initiative, despite the – legitimate – concerns of team manager Ronald Ten Kate: "I’m always a little nervous about letting someone get on our bike before the end of the season, but for Michael I was happy to make an exception! He has proven to be able to harness the power of our CBR 1000 RR and he is really a very good pilot.".

For his part, Schumacher presents the approach as a pure desire to satisfy his curiosity and admits – who doubted it? – very happy with the experience: "it was interesting to see how a WSBK team works. However, it was quite difficult to fully understand the reactions of the bike in such a short period of time, but it was a great experience. Besides, it was really nice to be the teammate of Carlos Checa, whom I have known for many years. I thank Mr. Ten Kate for giving me such an opportunity !"

Alexandre BARDIN – Photos DR

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