The Red Bull Honda team arrive at the Portimao circuit with renewed hope and a new rider line-up. Japanese Superbike star Takumi Takahashi (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) will be the latest rider to race alongside Stefan Bradl (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) and the three time Suzuka 8 Hours winner is keen to make his MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship debut.

“I’m honoured as a rider who has continuously fought to race on the world stage that my achievements and experience have been recognised,” said Takahashi. “I have been given the opportunity to race in the World Superbike Championship and I’ll use all the experience I’ve gained racing the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the All-Japan championship to aim high and contribute to the team. I’d like to ride my best in front of the World Superbike fans, so I hope they’ll look forward to seeing me.”

Takahashi will become the first Japanese rider since Noriuki Haga in 2013 to race in the series, but his experience of the Honda Fireblade is sure to be a huge asset to the team and Bradl.

 “I look forward to the racing weekend at Portimão as it’s a track we know quite well having tested there earlier this year,” said the German. “I hope we can improve on the disappointing results we had at the Lausitzring and make some steps forward with the bike. I am also looking forward to welcoming Takumi Takahashi to the team, and it will be interesting to share the garage with him and get his feedback on the Fireblade.”

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