The arctic weather conditions may have put paid to any serious testing at the 2008 Bennetts British Superbikes Official Test at Snetterton over the Easter weekend, but new recruit Olie Linsdell and the Team Blackhorse Yamaha 2008 R6 Superstock machine were nevertheless an impressive combination, as the team made the most of what track time the conditions allowed.

Saturday morning dawned wet and bitterly cold for the first day of testing with a mixture of wet and dry conditions prevailing throughout the day. Undeterred, the team managed to put in 10 wet laps, with Olie topping the leader board with a lap time of 1:23.232 (84.42mph).

Unfortunately this was to be Olie's last piece of action for the next 48 hours or so, for if Saturday's weather was poor, worse was to follow. Heavy snow showers had been forecast and indeed, they arrived with a vengeance on Sunday, virtually wiping out the day's programme.

On Monday, Olie once again took to the track in cold but dry conditions. Following a steady first lap, he posted his fastest lap so far of the weekend with a time of 1:21.598, by the fourth lap this had been reduced by another two seconds culminating on his final lap with a time of 1:17.331 (90.87mph), good enough to not only top the Junior 600 Superstock class but also place Olie as fastest rider of the weekend.

Ian Lougher:
"It was unfortunate for everyone concerned that the weather was so awful for the tests, however Olie rode very smoothly throughout the weekend, at times in very trying conditions. He is a very talented, level headed young rider and I was delighted not only with his performance on the track, but also with his opinion of the new Yamaha R6 Superstock bike, he absolutely loved it."

The team are now in warmer climes as they prepare to take their place in the Official Yamaha Team Test at Valencia, Spain. The three day test from 28th-30th March takes the form of not only track action but also gives teams the chance to familiarise themselves with the technical side of the new 2008 models.

This test will see Ian in action for the first time in 2008 as he tests his new, highly tuned R6 Yamaha 600cc Supersport and totally stock 1000cc R1 Superstock machine. It also presents an opportunity for Olie to further explore the potential of the R6 Superstock bike and experience the 1000cc Superstock machine for the first time.