DAO Racing has successfully completed it’s first official test of the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season at Circuito de Navarra in Spain. This test marks a significant milestone for the team as they officially debut their new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP machinery with riders Josh Brookes and Lee Jackson.

The successful test Northern Spain set a positive tone for DAO Racing as they continue their preparations for the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

The two-day testing session provided the team with valuable data and insights into the performance of the Honda Fireblade. Both riders focused on familiarizing themselves with the new bikes and optimizing setups to suit their riding styles.

Barry Stanley, Crew Chief #14:

“We started off with needing plenty of changes again and at one point thought we found we hit a spot we felt couldn’t move from, but in the end we made some great progression, and finished up feeling quite happy overall.”

Lee Jackson, Superbike Rider #14:

“It’s been really productive here in Navarra. Once we settled in on day one we found our feet with the bike and from then on we made some good progress across both days.  It’s been a solid 6 days of testing in Spain, and now we look forward to getting to Donington and continuing to build on this first test.”

Ben Stafford, Crew Chief #25:

“Overall it was a pretty good test. We changed quite a lot on the bike to chase the feeling for Josh. It’s definitely been a success for the team, of course there is plenty to work on, but we have made some great progress and to come as far as we have is a great achievement by the team thus far.”

Josh Brookes, Superbike Rider #25:

“Generally the test has gone really well, it’s gone very smoothly. Then focussing more on the performance, I feel like we’ve done a good job, but maybe just missed the target so underperformed and definitely have some work to do. But I feel confident with all of the data collected and the hard work of the team we can bridge the gap quite quickly. With my experience at Donington, it’ll be interesting and display better the areas we need to work.”

Terry Rymer, Rider Liaison:

“Josh has come along with great experience and has gone through the set up of the bike step by step with the guys and it went well. But it is a brand new bike for not only the rider’s but everyone involved. Of course we would like to have been the fastest out there, but Josh seems relatively happy, and we look forward to getting back to it at Donington.

Lee is used to the bike, but of course not the 2025 Honda. His side of the garage are also learning set up and communication within the crew, and would of course like to be quicker straight from the get go. We know Lee is fast enough and everyone has full confidence in him, we’ve just got to get this bike feeling absolutely right for him. Once we get that, he will be fighting at the front.”