Tyco Suzuki boss Neill optimistic for Brands

Tyco Suzuki team boss Philip Neill's decision to hold pre-season tests closer to home this year paid off on Wednesday, with Irish track Kirkistown bathed in glorious sunshine.

The Northern Ireland-based team completed a productive day's work at the venue, with Alastair Seeley and Josh Brookes seizing the chance to make some final alterations to their factory GSX-R1000s ahead of the opening round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch next weekend.

"Today worked out well for us and it was a great end to pre-season testing. Hopefully it puts us in a good strong position with some high hopes going into the opening weekend at Brands," said Neill.

"We've had a lot of changes during the off-season and the boys have put in a major amount of hard work in every department, so I'm really pleased to see it paying off."

Neill was impressed by the performance of both riders, who completed their fastest ever laps of the Irish championship circuit without the advantage of electronic rider aids such as traction control and anti-wheelie, no longer permitted in BSB following a revamp of the competition rules.

"Alastair was his usual brilliant self at Kirkistown, but it must be said, Josh went well inside his best ever times today and matched Alastair; it was all very pleasing," he added.

"If we are honest no-one knew what the BSB rule changes would bring, taking away traction control, anti-wheelie and the likes of the kicker system.

"It's not all about lap times on days like this but to match the best times we've ever posted around Kirkistown certainly tells us we're in the ballpark.

"The race simulations to analyse tyre wear also threw up favourable results. It was certainly a nice drive home this evening in the sunshine; long may it last."