James Westmoreland will make the transition from the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship this season after joining the Motorpoint Yamaha team. Westmoreland finished second in the Supersport class last season with CAME Yamaha, but is now determined to make the next step up and admits he couldn’t be happier to join the team run by Rob McElnea alongside Loris Baz. Westmoreland said: “I am delighted to make the step up to Superbike with such an established team. I have grown up aware of the history and what the team has achieved since they started so it is great to join them and also remain with Yamaha for a second consecutive season. I am looking forward to working with Loris as he showed his pace at the end of last season and I think we can learn a lot together. We may be the youngest team on paper but that can only be a positive thing as our hunger to achieve results is massive and we are both really determined to have a good season. “We started testing early so we already have some knowledge under our belts, because of that I feel that we are in a stronger position ahead of our next test. I can’t wait to get racing with the team as I feel like I am at home already and I need to thank them and all of our sponsors for giving me this opportunity.” Team Manager Rob McElnea concluded: “Over the years we have been the team who have invested in our young talent and I believe with the riders we have on-board that 2011 could be the best return yet on our investment! James is at a very similar level to where Cal Crutchlow, Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes were when they stepped up to Superbikes. He has a tough act to follow but I am sure he will deliver on race day. On the other side of the garage we have at 18 year-old Loris Baz, who will be a perfect motivator and team-mate for James. I believe we have never looked so good. Both riders are very hungry and determined, and we have a very competitive bike that is totally ready to go. We just need to keep the guy’s healthy and have a little bit of luck!”