Guy Martin: We're learning - the Honda's a machine!

Honda Racing's Guy Martin is impressed with the all-new Fireblade SP2 but admits there is still plenty of work to be done.

Martin has completed six days of testing at Castle Combe in Wiltshire and also raced at the Tandragee 100 Irish National meeting last weekend.

The Lincolnshire rider is back in action in Northern Ireland again this weekend at the Cookstown 100 and Martin says getting time on the bikes in a race scenario has been invaluable as he prepares for the Isle of Man TT.

"Well, we're learning. At the moment it's a lot of learning, I definitely learnt more racing at Tandragee than I did testing for six days, but it's always hard to mimic a road-race in a testing environment," he said.

"The team likes to test at Castle Combe, which is bumpy, but you don't know what you're up against until you get out into a race environment. Don't get me wrong, we need to test and it's helpful, but nothing compares to racing.

"It's good to be back racing, there's a lot to do for me and also for the new Fireblade, it's a machine I tell you, but we do have some work to do and I love the challenge of getting it right. When I came back it was to give the roads the best shot on a Honda on Dunlops, so this is what we're doing," Martin added.

"We're all working together and it's down to me, John and the lads, listening to each other and putting it all together. I am looking forward to the North West 200 and seeing what we can do on the Fireblade out there and also taking the dog for a walk on the beach."

Martin will race the Fireblade SP2 Superstock machine at the Cookstown 100 and will also compete in the Supersport class on a Honda in the Wilson Craig colours.