Back at full strength with Mike Di Meglio returning from injury to partner Josh Hook and Alan Techer, F.C.C. TSR Honda France started Japan’s round of the EWC on 21 July in eighth place. But a crash for Hook after three and a half hours of action dropped the squad to 14th.
The team had hoped to make up lost ground during the final quarter of the race. However, Techer was forced to make an unscheduled pitstop due to damage sustained to the 2024-specifcication #5 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP during Hook’s crash.
After 10 minutes making repairs, the team rejoined in 25th only for Di Meglio to crash with 90 minutes left to run. This resulted in another lengthy stop and left F.C.C. TSR Honda France a distant 33rd at the finish.
“It was a very tough weekend,” Australian rider Hook said. “Having missed out on private testing, we had a lot of things to try out and not enough time ahead of us. I’m sorry for the team who worked so hard. Everyone did their maximum and unfortunately the result isn't there. Now we have to analyse how we can come back stronger for the Bol d'Or.”
Frenchman Di Meglio said:
“It was a very difficult race for us. We knew it was going to be very hot and that had a big impact on engine performance. The tyres were working well but we didn't have any acceleration or power. I didn't want to take any risks and I'm sorry I made a mistake when I wasn't pushing hard. It cost us some time but we were already far behind. It was the first race with this bike and we have a lot of points to improve. We are going to work hard to prepare for the Bol d'Or.”
Di Meglio’s compatriot Techer added:
“A difficult race and a difficult season. We changed the bike just before the race so we had a lot of new things to deal with, and there's a lot of work ahead of us. The aim will be to fight for victory at the Bol d'Or to finish the season on a positive note.”
Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France hosts the Bol d’Or from 12-15 September. Click HERE for more information.
