Ben and Tom Birchall enjoyed a successful pre-season test in France ahead of their 2011 world championship challenge where they were very happy with the performance of the Avon Tyres and the new bodywork and chassis changes. The Mitchells of Mansfield supported brothers put in some long hard days working some 12-14 hours a day throughout the winter months to prepare the outfits for the new season. The first outfit to be finished was the F1 world championship machine and this was the machine they took to the French pre-season test. After a couple of days on a damp but drying track they were able to match the times put down in last year’s test. Ben said: “We seemed to be battling against the weather and unfavourable track conditions for the first couple of days but with the help of the new Avon tyres and chassis development we were doing ok and hoping for better weather towards the end of the week.” The good weather finally arrived on Friday and the brothers were keen to make the most of it. But towards the end of the first session the bike suddenly twisted sideways similar to a highside on a solo bike. Such was the force of the turn that Tom stood no chance of holding on and was flung off the machine, landing heavily on the tarmac. Ben explained: “We were on the same line as the previous 12 laps so can only put the crash down to some oil or fuel on the track. The bike just grabbed suddenly and with such a force that despite his best effort to hang on Tom went flying. “He has a hairline fracture to his pelvis and kneecap and was unable to continue so we decided to return early to Mansfield for further treatment. Since then we have been to Brian Simpson at Ipswich where Tom has had some laser treatment on his injuries and we are optimistic that he will be fit for the first round of the British Championship at Brands Hatch at Easter. “As long as Tom is 100% fit we will be on the grid, we want to support the new series if we can but of course Tom is the priority right now, it’s a long season and we have the TT to think about as well as the world and British championships.” Ben and Tom have now confirmed their entry into the 2011 Isle of Man TT races where they made their debut in 2009, the same year they won the world sidecar championship. Although the pair was forced to retire on the final lap of the solitary race that year when running in sixth place, a lap of 110.615mph certainly showed their Mountain Course credentials as they became the second fastest newcomers of all time and they are expected to among the challengers for the podium at the centenary races in June. Meanwhile tickets are selling fast for the official launch of the team on April 15th. The event is to take place at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme, Mansfield where there will be a performance by top Cheshire band Beardsmith with a bar until midnight plus a pie and peas supper. There is also to be a memorabilia auction and raffle plus a question and answer session with Ben and Tom during the evening. Tickets are available, priced at £15 each from the venue on 01623 847468 or Ben Birchall on 07843 286295. Ben and Tom would like to extend their thanks to John Fretwell for the use of the venue and help with the event.