The first opportunity to get some feedback from our two race bikes, before practise and qualifying at Le Mans next week.

No 1 bike had enough miles under its belt to go straight onto the track.

Alf had fitted a full Akrapovic race system, Ohlins rear shock and damper, and K-tech had supplied some trick fork internals. The race fuel tank was on as was the bodykit,

Unsprayed and not looking shiny, the bike was however ready for Gus Scott and Andy Notman to ripple a bit of tarmac.

The No.2 bike had to be ridden to the circuit and back to get some miles on its clock.

The day started fine and clear but rapidly declined to filthy wet and hideously windy.

By 11.30 both the riders were happy with their preliminary suspension settings and set out in all their new gear. Only to be called back in as part of the roof of the main stand had been blown onto the circuit.

We had an early lunch.

After the debris was cleared, both guys took it in turns to brave the grim conditions.

Another guy in our garage timed Gus doing 59's, (remarkable when you consider he was almost submerged).

The bike sounded remarkably quiet despite the weather conditions, and huge rooster tails of spray were pouring of the rear tyre Those wets certainly shift alot of moisture.

Though they both only completed a dozen laps or so each, they were both happy with the bike, tweaking the suspension, but praising the whole package. Just what Alf needed to hear.