PJ Jacobsen’s TripleM team will miss the upcoming unofficial WorldSBK test in Jerez, instead electing to run at the Portimao test later this month. However, as team manager Manuel Cappelletti explains to GregoryHaines.com, both TripleM and Honda are serious about their WorldSBK ambitions.
Greg Haines reports from Barcelona
This news marks a change in schedule for the TripleM squad owned by Matthias Moser, which had also been considering a team launch in Jerez on Monday.
“We will not participate at the Jerez test but switch to the Portimao test on 28-29th January,” team manager Manuel Cappelletti reveals to GregoryHaines.com. “We have a bit of a delay with the bike and new spec.”
It is so far unclear whether the bike delay and change of testing plan is related to the recent departure of Marco Chini, the boss who oversaw the Ten Kate-run Red Bull Honda team on behalf of Honda Motor Europe.
“Our bike is a 2018 bike, the same spec as Ten Kate,” Cappelletti continues. “We will start the season with the same spec and will work under the wing of Honda during the season. Of course, we will co-operate with Ten Kate because they have knowledge of the Honda, but the target for Honda is to create another solid team structure in the World Superbike Championship.
“We won’t have pressure from Honda’s side because we are a new team, but both parties are looking forward to working together in a long-term project.”
With TripleM running Jacobsen as its sole rider and Red Bull Honda housing Jake Gagne alongside Leon Camier, there will be two full-time Americans on this year’s grid for the first time since EBR ran Aaron Yates and Geoff May in 2014.
Although Jacobsen has tested the Honda World Superbike in the past, he is yet to race in the WorldSBK premier class. The 24-year-old New Yorker steps up as the 2015 World Supersport championship runner-up and two-time race winner.
Image: Instagram – pjjacobsen
Jerez test, 23-24th January:
Kawasaki Racing Team
Aruba Ducati
Pata Yamaha
Milwaukee Aprilia
Althea BMW
MV Agusta
Red Bull Honda
Puccetti Kawasaki
Pedercini Racing
Guandalini Yamaha
Orelac Kawasaki
Portimao test, 28-29th January:
Kawasaki Racing Team
Aruba Ducati
Pata Yamaha
Milwaukee Aprilia
Althea BMW
Barni Ducati
MV Agusta
Red Bull Honda
Puccetti Kawasaki
Guandalini Yamaha
TripleM Honda
Greg Haines - Commentator & Presenter 