Virgin Media Optoma Loans Yamaha heads to the Norfolk circuit of Snetterton, for round five of the 2007 Bennetts British Superbike Championship this weekend, 18 - 20 May. After completing a successful Official test at the 1.952mile track back at the end of March, high hopes for good results are expected. Tommy Hill returns to one of the fastest circuits in the season with fond memories of his last podium on the Pirelli-shod R1, gained during the second race at Snetterton last year.
Hudson Kennaugh will be given an opportunity to show his potential on a Superbike as the South African rider partners Tommy Hill for the second time. The 26-year old first rode the Virgin Media Optoma Loans Yamaha at Oulton Park, adding to his already busy National Superstock race schedule for Raceways Yamaha.
British Supersport rider, Billy McConnell and Tom Grant, topped the timing sheets repeatedly throughout the test in March. Despite not finishing at two of the opening four rounds, Billy has set two fastest laps and the scene is set for the young Australian to record his second podium finish of the season.
Tom Grant's elevation into the Supersport team has already proved a revelation this season. Fresh from triumph in the 2006 Virgin Media Cup, Tom has been quick to impress both team principal Rob McElnea and the rest of his peers with a string of stunning rides. The two-week break since Oulton Park has allowed Tom time to continue on the road to full recovery from a chipped bone in his ankle sustained during a 160mph crash at Silverstone.
The race for the title in the Virgin Media Cup is getting fiercer by each round. BJ Toal has a commanding lead but with Midge Smart and Leon Morris hot on his heels he can't rest on his laurels. James Webb, back in the championship is hungry to repeat his win at the Norfolk circuit from last year. Robbie Brown will be looking to kick-start his title contention with a strong result after narrowly missing out on the win in 2006.
Hudson Kennaugh:"I can't wait to get back on the bike. I really want better results this weekend. The bike and the team deserve that."
Tommy Hill:"Snetterton is a frighteningly fast track where you need as much horsepower as you can get your hands on. We went well there during testing, and I got my last podium there so we're hoping for another good set of results this weekend."
Rob McElnea:
"All our riders were strong in testing at Snetterton, so we know the bikes go well there. Tommy needs to maximise on his strong performance from Oulton. Hudson has another opportunity to show his true potential. Tom and Billy should run well judging by 1st and 3rd at the test. Billy just needs to stop making mistakes and it will come to him. Tom is fitter than he was going into the last round, so let's hope he finally gets the result he deserves."
ITV1 Broadcast window: 15:00 - 16:30 Sunday 20 May
Sky Sports Xtra delayed coverage: 23:00 - 02:30
Related News
