The countdown to the 2009 World Superbike Championship got underway at Kyalami this week as six of the seven manufacturer teams that will compete next year descended on South Africa for the final test of 2008.

With BMW and Aprilia joining established competitors Ducati, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha, there was plenty to see as the three-day test began in hot weather conditions.

Furthermore, it was also the first chance to see Noriyuki Haga take over from Troy Bayliss on the Ducati Xerox.

So, for all the latest pictures, which also include the first glimpse of the new Suzuki, CLICK HERE!