The countdown to the 2009 World Superbike Championship begins here with the post-season tests getting underway in Portugal – and Crash.net have all the latest pictures.

Several top teams, including Yamaha, Sterilgarda Ducati and Aprilia, were out on track as they welcomed a bevy of talent to their fold, with the likes of Tom Sykes, Ben Spies, Shane Byrne and Max Biaggi all getting their first taste of new machinery.

In addition, WSBK debutants Stiggy Motorsport hit the track for the first time with Leon Haslam and Roberto Rolfo, while Gregorio Lavilla got tongues wagging with his appearance on the Alto Evolution Honda.

Elsewhere, the Supersports were out on track too, with Anthony West riding the Stiggy Honda for the first time. Eugene Laverty was also getting acquainted with the Parkalgar Honda, as was Cal Crutchlow on the Yamaha.

Testing continues today, but for all the latest pictures from Portugal CLICK HERE