Beowulf Racing switch to Yamaha
23-02-2008
Suzuki-based since 1997, Beowulf Racing has decided to switch to Yamaha for their 2008 UK and European campaigns. The reason behind the change largely comes down to machinery availability, as Joint Team Owner and Technical Head Andy Stone explains:
"We've undertaken a major winter testing programme during the off-season this year, he says, with four sessions already completed in Spain and the UK, and another five or six still to come. Two of our riders, Dan Linfoot and Geo Rea, were granted a brief test ride aboard the Virgin Media Supersport Yamaha R6's at Barcelona during November and from that we knew the bike would be competitive. With the new R6 being available ahead of the 2008 Suzuki, the benefit to our testing programme was clear so it made sense to make the switch."
"I am already very impressed with the racing division set-up at Yamaha in the short time we have been working with them", he added. "They have provided a lot of support so I do not foresee any major problems with changing manufacturer and I am confident that we will be bang on the pace by the start of the season."
The first batch of the squads six new machines were ridden in anger for the first time at Brands Hatch last weekend. Following further development, another test is set to take place at Oulton Park in two weeks time.
The opening races of the Somerset-based squads 2008 European and UK campaigns take place on the first weekend of April at Valencia and Brands Hatch respectively.
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Team StoneBaker.
The great race at the new Portimao circuit brings an end to our season in World Superbike Superstock 600, with riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot.
The season has been a success with Gino third and Dan fifth in the championship standings following three victories and five additional podiums in total. The results have also acted as a stepping stone to the riders for next season, with both securing high profile, career progressing rides for 2009.
Thank you for all of the emails, calls, texts and visits throughout the year. It has been much appreciated.
