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Neukirchner back in the Honda camp

Max Neukirchner began his WSS and WSB life riding Honda machinery, and for 2010 he will be back on CBR series machinery again, this time in the Ten Kate Honda squad (photo courtesy of 2Snap).

After a 2009 season continuously affected by injury, Neukirchner has not ridden a racebike since his Imola testing crash, back in mid-July. He had his first run-out on the Hannspree CBR1000RR one day before the official tests, to do a short surprise photo-shoot, but started his laps in earnest on day one of the recent Portimao tests, 27-28 October.

Said Max of his testing return, "I feel really well after my first two days on the factory Honda. Last time I rode one was in 2005 on the Klaffi Honda. I must say the bike has changed a lot. After a few months it was my first time on the bike and I made a lot of fitness at home, but it is completely different when you make fitness at home, or fitness on the bike."

Understandably after such a long layoff, Neukirchner ended the tests tired, but happy to have set more than decent times, and a lot of laps. "These were strong days for me. All in completely new for me, but I am quite happy to have these two days. I made 16 laps in a row near the end of day two and that made me tired! I did 70 laps in the first day and 70 on the second, so I think it is normal to be tired after that."