P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Rory Skinner admits that Oulton Park has not been his best track in BSB, but feels he made progress there during the recent test.
Rory Skinner acknowledges that historically, Oulton Park has not been favorable to him in British Superbike races, but he feels he made progress and reached a “turning point” during a recent test at the circuit. He finished as the eighth fastest overall and second fastest Yamaha rider behind Bradley Ray during the two-day BSB test on 21–22 April. Skinner, who has faced significant injuries at the Cheshire venue in the past, focused on building confidence rather than chasing headline lap times at the test. He mentioned that he approached the test more like a track day, wanting to understand the bike, do more laps, and collaborate with the team. Although the Yamaha R1 performed well for him at Oulton Park, he believes a significant part of the improvement came from his personal growth rather than solely the change in bike model over the winter. Skinner expressed excitement about returning to Oulton Park for racing, feeling comfortable on the Yamaha after only three tests. Looking ahead to the opening round at Oulton Park on 2–4 May, he aims to enhance his outright speed by fine-tuning the Yamaha’s performance specifically for the race circuit.
