Ahead of the 2016 season, the Anvil Hire Yamaha squad has returned home following a positive first shakedown test at Spain’s Cartagena circuit

All three riders Billy McConnell, James Rispoli and Shaun Winfield took to the circuit to find their feet on board the R1 under the sun in Murcia, ahead of a very busy testing schedule in the New Year.

The bikes that were used during the day were in stock specification, to give the riders the best feeling before upgrading the machines to full superbike spec after Christmas. Billy, James and Shaun completed many laps around the 3.5-kilometer track, working on familiarising themselves with the bike throughout the day.

The test also meant the riders could settle in with their mechanics and improve on their relationship with the R1, to give them the best start ahead of the 2016 season, which starts on the 8th of April at the famous Silverstone circuit.

After the test an excited Team Manager Steve Randle said: “We’re really chuffed with how yesterday went, it was important for us to get the time under our belts before the New Year so we can hit the ground running in January, when we return to Spain with the full superbike spec machines.

“We weren’t here for lap times or to break the lap record, we just wanted the riders to gain the feeling and understanding for the bike, which they have done. They have given us some great feedback so we can head back to the workshop to improve on the areas highlighted, and we’ll now be busy at work before we head back to Spain in the New Year. But at the moment everything is very positive.”

Speaking after jumping off his brand new R1, Billy McConnell commented: “It was great, I really loved that. It was a great shakedown to find out some things that we need to work on before we go out to Spain again. We’ve drawn up sort of a wish list now of what we need, handlebars and seat foam things like that, but today was mainly about familiarising myself with the bike, and its characteristics.

“I didn’t push too hard, I just took it steady and got laps in which was important, I did some wheelies and skids which was fun before we really get to down to work in the New Year. It was great to work with the TAG team again, some of my side of the garage was missing but I felt comfortable. There are some things to work on, but it was great to get out before Christmas to find these issues, so we can hit the ground running in our next test.”

Still excited following the test James Rispoli added: “It has been a really good day and for me Cartagena was the perfect track for the first test.

“We have a good understanding now of what we need to do before our next tests in January where we can build on what we have learnt today. We made steady progress all day and to be honest I wasn’t that far off, which was a good start. The R1 is literally the perfect bike to step up to Superbike with because it feels like a big R6.

“We have made a consistent start and with more miles and upgrades for our next tests we should be in a good place. I am happy with today’s progress and now we can get ready for our next tests which will be important for the start of the season.”

Finally Shaun Winfield added his feelings after completing his first test onboard the new machine: “Today went really well. I hadn’t been to the track before so I had to learn the circuit at the start of the day but the bike felt really good from the first session.

“I felt comfortable and relaxed on the bike which helped me towards knocking time off throughout the day and I kept my times close to my team-mates who had been there before. I am looking forward to Christmas now and can’t wait for our next test.”

The team are now planning a series of tests in January and February to improve on their knowledge and feel with the Yamaha machines