Tetsuta Nagashima Fine-Tuning CBR1000RR-R

Test Rider Tetsuta Nagashima Makes Steady Progress with Honda HRC Test Team at WorldSBK Opener in Australia.

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Japanese test rider Tetsuta Nagashima is competing in the opening round of the 2025 Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Phillip Island, Australia, with the Honda HRC Test Team. After participating in the final pre-season tests at the same circuit just days ago, Nagashima is leveraging the hot and sunny conditions to fine-tune the setup of the CBR1000RR-R.

Nagashima took to the track this morning for the first practice session, completing 20 laps over the 40-minute session. His steady performance included a best lap time of 1’31.017, placing him nineteenth on the timesheets. In the afternoon’s FP2 session, he recorded a nearly identical time of 1’31.042, maintaining his position in nineteenth overall for the day.

The Honda HRC Test Team focused on gathering valuable data by comparing different bike setups during the sessions. Nagashima tested configurations used by Honda’s factory riders, Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona, providing crucial insights for future development.

Reflecting on the day, Nagashima said, “Today, we tested quite a few setup changes. I tried something of both Xavi’s and Iker’s bike setups, and it was very interesting because there were some differences that provided us with useful information for future tests. Of course, the bike felt different since it wasn’t set up for me, but as I said, it was a valuable and important exercise for the future.”

The team will return to the track on Saturday for the final free practice session, followed by the Superpole qualifying and the first 20-lap race of the weekend. Nagashima’s participation not only aids Honda’s development efforts but also offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the CBR1000RR-R under competitive conditions.

As the 2025 WorldSBK season kicks off, Honda HRC continues its pursuit of refining performance and closing the gap to the front runners, with Nagashima playing a pivotal role in the team’s progress.