Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha riders chat with Jacqui Rose...

AUDI hosted the launch of this year's British Superbike Championships in London last week, and what a cracker is promised with improved TV coverage.

Extra coverage is not only being provided on Sky TV with their usual excellent live slots but also Channel 4 will be showing 30- minute highlights from 7am and 9am on the Sunday following each round, followed by a one-hour highlights programme in a late night spot either on the Sunday night or midweek.

We have many hours of hair-raising, rubber burning racing ahead of us, with this year's Championship promising to be the most exciting yet.

Bennetts continue this year with their support to the sport along with Audi, who are offering the riders an opportunity to win a TT car on an accumulation of points system.

John Reynolds, the current BSB Champion, was unable to attend the day but videoed an interview advising that he was currently seeking medical help to hasten the recovery of his broken leg and was getting a special boot made to enable him to race.

Having raced with a broken shoulder, you know better than to ever rule John out, his ultra-professional approach and commitment to the sport still has to make him the one to beat for 2005.

Many of the riders come through the various ranks, including the Virgin Mobile R6 Cup.

Last year's champion, popular East London-based Richard Wren, who won three times along with three other podium finishes, is now contracted to ride with Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha alongside Tommy Hill from Lingfield, Sussex, the R6 Cup Champion from 2003.

Led by Sean Emmett, from Weybridge, these guys promise to be a team not to be underestimated on their R1s.

The bikes in question are powered by 998cc inline four-cylinder DOHC units with five valves per cylinder, producing 200+bhp at the rear wheel for a top speed of 195mph.

With most of our bikes unable to reach their potential unless ridden on a track, it is the team's job to ensure each of the bikes is tuned to the job in hand, with the ability to get 100 per cent and that bit extra needed for a podium finish.

Discussing their confidence for the season ahead, Sean said: "We're ready for racing and can only get stronger throughout the year. At Brands Hatch I rode two seconds under the lap record and was two-tenths off Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda)."

With his eye set on the prize after coming fifth in 2004, Sean is one to watch for the top slot.

Since 1991, Yamaha have won no less than eight titles, with a reputation for spotting and nurturing young talent.

I discussed with Richard how he felt being part of such a successful team. He said: "I'm not in a position where I am battling for the championship, I'm just enjoying myself and learning as the season goes on. It's a great team, with everyone behind me." After Tommy reached an impressive ninth in the championship in his rookie year, Richard is keen to learn from his fellow team-mates, saying: "I'm going to pick everyone's brains as I go."

With Virgin Mobile sponsoring the team for their sixth year and Samsung in their third year, Yamaha have proven to be a worthwhile investment.

With a great feeling in the team camp guided by team principal Rob McElnea and team co-ordinator Adrian Marsh, these lads will be given all the support available for success

Celebrating their 50th anniversary Yamaha, in collaboration with Virgin Mobile and Samsung, have a team to return them to their form remembered in the McKenzie era.

SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP DATES

March 28: Round 1 Brands Hatch Indy, Kent

April 10: Round 2 Thruxton, Hampshire

April 24: Round 3 Mallory Park, Leicestershire

May 2: Round 4 Oulton Park, Cheshire

May 15: Round 5 Mondello Park (Ireland)

June 5: Round 6 Croft, North Yorkshire

June 26: Round 7 Knockhill, Fife

July 10: Round 8 Snetterton, Norfolk

August 21: Round 9 Silverstone, Northamptonshire

August 29: Round 10 Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire

September 11: Round 11 Oulton Park, Cheshire

September 25: Round 12 Donington Park, Leicestershire

October 9: Round 13 Brands Hatch, GP, Kent