Team Honda Racing boss Paul Free says that the factory effort’s disappointment after last weekend’s season opener will only make them more determined heading into round two at Symmons Plains this week.

The team made a promising debut by scoring 1-2 on the grid following Saturday’s Superpole session, but race day was drama-filled as the team struggled to meet pre-race expectations.

Race one saw title favourite Wayne Maxwell finish race one as the top finisher using wet weather tyres on a drying track in third, before he suffered a broken water hose clamp in race two and was black-flagged out of the race.

Meanwhile, former dual champion teammate Stauffer finished seventh in leg one, ruled out of contention for the win in race two when an electrical fault struck his CBR1000RR and caused it to misfire.

“We definitely did not expect to have such highs and lows in one event, however sometimes that’s racing and we will move right into the second round with the same determination to put these riders where we know they can be – at the front of the field,” Free commented.

“Both Wayne and Jamie have made it evident that they are capable of winning and the Honda CBR1000RR is the bike to do it.”

Maxwell was disappointed in the end result of 10th overall, but looks forward to making amends in Tasmania this Sunday.

“Obviously this was not the start we wanted, particularly after being at the front of the field on Friday and Saturday,” Maxwell said. “It is only round one though and I know the team will work hard to ensure we are back on track for the next round.

“I am disappointed, but it is early days. It was terrific to take the Superpole for the first round of the season and I’m looking forward to racing in Tasmania.”

Stauffer was equally disappointed with the final result of the weekend’s event after taking a best of third in race two for fifth overall, but echoed Maxwell’s resolve.

“It wasn’t a great result for the team, but we’ve got round two [this] week and I know it will be a very different outcome for Team Honda Racing,” he said. “We have a bit more development to get my bike set-up to where we want it and I feel confident that at round two next week, we will be there.”

Heading into Tasmania’s Thursday practice session, the team has also today announced that it has picked up additional sponsorship from the Bank of Queensland and Honda Financial Services.