Snetterton in East Anglia is the first stop in a whirlwind three weeks for Team Blackhorse Yamaha when the team takes their place in the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Official Test this weekend ahead of the first round at Brands Hatch on the weekend of 4/5/6 April.

The 1.952 mile 'clockwise' circuit is generally acknowledged as a fast track and the test, held over three days (Sat 22/Sun 23/Mon 24), will give team owner Ian Lougher, new recruit Olie Linsdell and the team's highly dedicated team of technicians their first opportunity to assess the 2008 Yamaha R6 Superstock machine which Olie will campaign in the new Junior 600 Superstock Championship which replaces the former R6 Cup.

The 13 round series for any make, 600cc capacity production based, (no tuning allowed) machine, is for riders who are 16-25 years old.

The following weekend sees the team in Valencia, Spain for an official Yamaha team test, with both Ian and Olie in action this time. This test will allow Olie more track time on the R6 Superstock bike as well as experiencing the 1000cc Superstock machine for the first time.

Ian meanwhile will get his first taste of 2008 action as he tests his new, highly tuned R6 Yamaha 600cc Supersport and totally stock 1000cc R1 Superstock machine, both of which he will race on the road circuits this season.

The test will also give both riders an opportunity to compare the tuned and standard models.

Ian Lougher:
”The 2008 season promises to be exciting in many ways. The move to Yamaha machinery is something I feel will benefit both the team and importantly our team sponsors and we very much look forward to a long and successful association with Yamaha UK.

The continual involvement of Black Horse Motorcycle Finance Limited, the UK’s largest motorcycling and leisure industry finance house, is a tremendous asset to the team, they're a fabulous group of people and it gives us immense pleasure to be working with them again in 2008.

A lot of hard work has gone into planning the season ahead both with the team package and bike preparation and, as always the real feedback will come from the track and that is why these forthcoming tests are important.

Each season brings fresh challenges and 2008 is no different. Once again I am relishing and ready to meet those challenges both as a rider and team owner.

As well as my own race programme I will be guiding and passing on my experience and knowledge to Olie Linsdell.

The introduction of Olie to the team this year is something I'm particularly looking forward to, he had a fantastic 2007 season and certainly looks to have the makings of a future motorcycle racing star".