The Maxxis sponsored Milwaukee Yamaha team completed their opening test of the 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Donington Park on Thursday, setting a progressive pace throughout whilst shaking down the factory supported Yamaha machines.
British rider James Ellison and Australian Josh Walters laid down some stunning laps, in cold but dry conditions at Donington Park, the pair gave the Milwaukee Yamahas their first run out of the season with both riders reporting positive feedback to the crew.
For Ellison it was a chance to pick up where he left off with the team, working alongside Mick Shanley, whilst Waters got to grips with the new bike, new track and new crew headed up by Pete Jennings.
Ellison said: “I felt really good to be back on the Yamaha today; the model now is much more refined than the one I raced with the team in 2009 and we know what it can do. It feels different as the characteristics mean you have more corner entry speed and I have just been readjusting to that. I have been taking it steady as today was all about laps, but it feels great to be back and I can’t wait until our next test.”
Waters said: “It certainly feels good to be back on a bike and to be honest it is always quite hard to tell on the first day, especially with everything being new to me. I didn’t really have an idea of what to expect today but it has been good, I have had the chance to get used to everything and I didn’t want to do anything silly at the first test.”
Maxxis UK MD Derek McMartin commented “It’s great to see James and Josh putting in some confident laps in such cold conditions. We have high hopes for both riders, James has clicked back into the team, his MotoGP experience should stand us in good stead for some blistering on track performances; and Josh brings new energy, fresh from his success in the Australian Superbike series.”
Maxxis will be supporting the Milwaukee Yamaha throughout the BSB season, activating a sustained campaign of PR. VIP hospitality for the trade and consumer facing promotions in and around the paddock at each event.
