This week’s Alton Park BSB test marked John McPhee’s first return to the circuit in 15 years.
The Scottish rider, who debuted at BSB a year later on WorldSSP, was last at Alton Park on a 125cc bike, but this week he continued to adapt to the Honda CBR1000RR-R superbike.
“It’s all completely different,” McPhee spoke to crash.net in Alton Park on a superbike compared to the 125cc he last rode on the Cheshire circuit.
“Obviously, for me this year, jumping at 1,000cc for the first time for me was a big transition, but it feels good to the bike right away, and it’s good for the team.
“We went to Spain and had a really good two days at Alcalas, and it turned out in the official test in Navara and we finished really strong. On the final day we were third in both sessions and fourth in total (hours).
“So I was like, ‘Maybe it’s not as big a transition as I thought it would be.’ That is, a specific (range) – correct. But the difference is that the truck is back to a place like Alton Park, where it’s a very quirky one.
“I feel good on the bike. We’re still testing and developing, but the biggest thing for me is knowing exactly where I’m going and the rap-by-lap is getting better.”
While McPhee was the first struggle to adapt to Fireblade while relearning Alton Park as a BSB rookie, the former Grand Prix rider is sure there will be tracks on the competitive calendar as well.
“There are a lot of tracks that I know I’ll get stronger and I’m absolutely fine,” he said.
“Things like Alton and Cadwell are two extremes, so if we can get through this first round and get some really good points on the board, we should be setting us in a good place for the rest of the season.”
McPhee added that in the BSB adaptation, the Honda CBR1000RR-R, and still airy rally to the general superbike, you can find yourself more than a bike.
“Speak more to find more in me – no doubt,” he said.
“The bike setup is working. It’s in a really good working window. The team has the experience to know exactly what they’re doing. I think the difference is just bringing the bike to my style.
“At a moment it all worked and clicked right away. Then you come somewhere like Alton Park and it’s a bit quirky and takes a little time. We work with it.