Nineteen riders will battle for strong qualifying positions once again this weekend (19-20 April), as the Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup looks to finally cut its teeth on the British racing scene at Thruxton in Hampshire.
Sean Emmett drew first blood at his home round of Brands Hatch a fortnight ago, setting the pace early on from former British Superbike rivals Jon Kirkham and Gary Mason. However, the dark horse of the round proved to be former double British Supermoto Champion, Sam Warren. The 25-year old qualified in third position and will look to replicate that strong display round the super-fast 2.356mile circuit.
Thruxton has one of the most abrasive and destructive tack surfaces on the calendar, but with all riders running on the same Metzeler racing slicks, tyre management and conservation could become a key factor in deciding the winner of the opening 18-lap Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup race of the 2008 season.
Live British Eurosport coverage will add another dimension to proceedings as the lights go out on the 14-lap race at 13.45 on Sunday 20 April.
Sam Warren: "I was really getting to grips with the bike at Brands and put in some good lap times. It was a little frustrating not to be able to put practice into race laps but I'm confident for Thruxton and looking to show what I can do again."
Rob McElnea: "The Henderson Yamaha R1 Cup starts in anger this weekend. I believe this series will be centre stage on race day. Some of the names and pedigree we have entered for this Cup will really set the grandstands alight! At last, for some of these young guys, they get the chance to have totally the same bike as the fast heroes at the front! No excuses and no prisoners, I recommend you stand well back from the fence!"
British Eurosport Live TV Broadcast Window, 12.30 - 16.30 (Sunday 20 April)
