In a candid interview,Ronald Ten Kate,the director of the renowned Ten Kate team,expressed his concerns over Honda‘s performance in the Superbike World Championship (WSBK) as their split in 2018. Despite a legacy of success, including a world title in 2007, Honda’s self-reliant efforts have faltered, leaving them at the bottom of the constructors’ standings. Ten Kate criticized Honda for underestimating the competitive nature of WSBK and highlighted the lack of technical support and flexibility in their development approach. While the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP shows promise, Ten Kate believes that without a more aggressive strategy and consistent testing, Honda’s chances of reclaiming their former glory remain slim.
Q&A with Ronald Ten kate: Honda’s Challenges in the Superbike World Championship
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Ronald. You’ve been a pivotal figure in the world of superbike racing with your experience in the Ten Kate team. Can you share your outlook on Honda’s current standing in the Superbike World Championship since their split in 2018?
Ronald Ten Kate: Thank you for having me.It’s been concerning too watch Honda’s performance in WSBK over the last few years. Despite having a rich legacy, including a world title in 2007, they’ve found themselves struggling. The self-reliant approach they’ve adopted post-2018 seems to be a miscalculation given the extremely competitive nature of the championship.
Editor of Time.news: You mentioned the competitive landscape of WSBK. what specific aspects do you believe Honda has underestimated?
Ronald Ten Kate: Honda clearly underestimated the level of technical advancement and flexibility required in the championship. Teams are constantly evolving and pushing boundaries with innovative technologies and designs. Unfortunately, Honda has not been able to match that pace, which has placed them at the bottom of the constructors’ standings.
Editor of Time.news: That’s alarming for fans and stakeholders alike. In your opinion, what role does technical support play in a team’s success in WSBK, and how has honda fared in that regard?
Ronald Ten Kate: Technical support is absolutely crucial. Teams need robust back-end support from engineers and consistent testing data to refine their machines. Honda’s immediate challenge lies in the apparent lack of this technical support as the split.it’s not just about the bike—it’s about the whole program and how it is managed.
Editor of Time.news: Let’s talk about the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. You’ve mentioned it shows promise.What improvements do you believe need to be made for it to compete effectively?
ronald Ten Kate: The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP has certain strong points that can be built upon, but what it really needs is a more aggressive progress strategy. A focus on rigorous and consistent testing is essential. If Honda can harness those strengths and address the weaknesses, then there’s a pathway for reclaiming competitiveness in WSBK.
Editor of Time.news: For those who are avid fans of the sport and perhaps budding professionals in the racing industry, what practical advice woudl you offer based on Honda’s current situation?
Ronald Ten Kate: For fans, it’s crucial to remember that the racing industry is cyclical. Teams can rebuild from setbacks, but it requires internal reflection and strategy shifts. For aspiring professionals, learning from established teams and focusing on innovation, flexibility, and teamwork can be invaluable. Embrace technology and never underestimate the competition; it’s the key to success in such a dynamic surroundings.
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for your insights, Ronald. It’s always valuable to hear from someone with your expertise in the field. This discussion certainly highlights the notable challenges Honda faces in the WSBK landscape and what steps might lead them back to their former glory.
Ronald Ten Kate: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope to see positive changes in the near future for Honda and the entire WSBK community.