A sunny Oulton Park today proved the perfect test-bed for Sam Warren’s first test onboard a Supersport Yamaha YZF-R6. Warren will be looking to challenge for honours in the 2011 Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship for Colchester-based Seton Interceptor Racing. In a stark contrast to last year’s pre-season tests, the sun made a welcome appearance, and team owner Phil Seton commented, “It’s been a very productive pre-test “test”. We had 12 test days for last season and only half an hour of sun. I think we’ve beaten that already today!” The shakedown, designed to give Sam a good feel for a Supersport machine ahead of the team’s test schedule at Cartagena, Spain in two week’s time proved very productive for both team and rider. “We spent a lot of time testing bar and footpeg positions to make sure Sam was comfortable and had the correct riding position on the bike for his style.” Commented Phil. “Today makes our job a whole lot easier once we get to Spain, as we will only have Ben’s settings to work on and Sam can concentrate on testing the full-spec Seton Interceptor Racing R6.” Warren impressed his new team with a solid work ethic throughout the day. “He showed a very good, mature and professional approach to the test,” said Phil, “he gave some very positive feedback and really seemed to enjoy being out on track again.” Although riding a Yamaha R6 with stock engine and gearbox, the team had the opportunity to test a new rear shock from K-Tech. “A relatively cold track in early February probably isn’t the best time to be putting the developmental DDS shock through its paces,” said Phil, “however, without altering the settings from base, Sam achieved extraordinary grip levels and phenomenal tyre wear. This has given the team a very positive starting point and base settings to take to Spain.” “I had a really fun day.” Said Derbyshire-based Warren. “It was so nice to get back on a bike and get a little taster of what the full-blown Supersport bike will feel like. The new K-Tech shock was brilliant, we never adjusted it all day! The bike feels incredibly light and the chassis very taught, letting me turn the R6 quickly but keeping a suppleness that allows the suspension the soak up all the bumps that Oulton could throw at me!” “We also took the opportunity to test the Seton Interceptor traction control kit,” Sam continued, “and I have to say, it worked better straight away than the traction system on the BMW I raced last year! Everything looks like it is coming together nicely for the Cartagena test.” Sam’s teammate for 2011 will be Australian Ben Burke. Ben has a strong race pedigree with Yamaha and will be looking to transfer his experience from the Australian circuits to the UK, as he lines up on the Metzeler National Superstock 600 grid. Ben lands in the UK mid-February, just in time to join up with the team ahead of the test in Spain. “I feel honoured to be given the chance to ride for Phil Seton’s team, in the 2011 BSB championship.” Said Ben. “I acknowledge that riding in this championship will be the hardest thing that I have ever done but am willing to grab it with two hands and give it my very best shot. I look forward to the challenge of learning new tracks and meeting all the other riders. 2011 will be a big year for me and Seton Interceptor Racing. I hope that, together, at the end of the year we can be proud of our achievements.” It will now be all hands on deck as Phil and his team prepare the bikes ahead of the forthcoming Cartegena test. The 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship kicks off at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit over Easter Weekend (22-25 April).