Schumacher tests Hannspree WSB Fireblade

SEVEN-TIME Formula 1 Drivers’ champion Michael Schumacher was back out on a superbike yesterday, this time testing the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade currently being campaigned by Carlos Checa in the World Superbike championship.

Checa and the Ten Kate team are testing at the French circuit of Magny-Cours, which will host the next round of the championship on October 5 and Schumacher was given the opportunity to test the racing the proper WSB motorcycle.

Since his retirement at the end of the 2006 season, the German has spent time racing motorcycles and has raced a Honda CBR1000RR in this season’s IDM Superbike series.

The Dutch Ten Kate team won last season’s World Superbike championship with Britain’s James Toseland and the team has also won the last six consecutive World Supersport championships for production machines of 600cc.

HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team manager, Ronald ten Kate, said: “I’m always a little nervous letting someone ride our bikes before the end of the season, but with Michael, I was happy to make an exception. He’s proved to be more than capable of handling the power of our CBR1000RR and he’s really a very good rider.”

Schumacher said: “It was interesting to see how a professional superbike team works. It was difficult to understand the machinery fully with such a short amount of time but it was a great experience. It was also good to be a team-mate with Carlos who I have known for a number of years. I would like to thank Mr ten Kate for giving me the opportunity to try things out.”