Following on from a successful debut British Supersport season in 2007, the new Virgin Media Yamaha Supersport pairing of BJ Toal and Nick Medd are fired-up and ready for the challenge that kicks off the 2008 season at Brands Hatch, Kent this weekend, 4-6 April.
2007 Virgin Media Cup champion, BJ Toal starts the next chapter in his fledgling career as he takes to the track this season onboard the Virgin Media Yamaha YZF-R6. Despite the gulf in machinery specs from last season's Cup R6, BJ has impressed in testing and will look to replicate his victory at Brands Hatch at the start of last season.
Team-mate Nick Medd makes his comeback to the British racing scene after a two-year absence. The 28-year old is eager to take on the mighty challenge of competing for the Virgin Media Yamaha Supersport team. With a number of test sessions under his belt, Nick is looking forward to the prospect of re-igniting his racing career under the expert guidance of Rob McElnea.
British Supersport action begins with Free Practice on Friday 4 April, followed by two Qualifying sessions on Saturday. The 18-lap Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport race revs into life at 15.30 on Sunday 6 April.
BJ Toal: "I'm still on a bit of a high after winning the Virgin Media Cup last season but now it's done to serious business. I've done hundereds of laps in testing and feel at home on the bike now. The transition in power from the standard R6 takes a bit of getting used to initially. I can't wait to get back racing again, the team around me are amazing, now I just want to impress."
Nick Medd: "I've had 18 months out of racing, which amounts to the best part of two seasons. Testing for me has been about as much time riding as possible to blow away the cobwebs. I'm getting my confidence back now and I have set myself a realistic goal to finish in the points for the first few rounds. My biggest aim is to be up in the front pack by mid season, I definitely have the right bike under me to do it on."
Rob McElnea, Team Principal: "With BJ we have the final chapter in the history of the Virgin Media Cup. The Cup has been responsible for fast-tracking so many of our new stars and hopefully BJ will be the next. The new 2008 Yamaha R6 has been incredible in testing and BJ, for a complete young rookie at 20 yrs old has really got to grips with the 600cc missile! I know he wants to emulate the success the previous winners have achieved and I am sure he will have a fantastic season.
Nick has a wealth of experience to bring to our supersport team and will be a great help to BJ throughout the year, Nick has had his share of bad luck and missed last season through injury, he has a tough task in front of him catching up with the rest of the pack but has tested well and has set himself goals to be at through the year in his comeback season."
Live British Eurosport2 broadcast window - Sunday 6 April 13.15-1515
