He is aiming to go one better, but has to overcome the revitalised threat of Sean Emmett on the 'Big-Bang Virgin Yamaha R1, especially in the opening action.
"I've been very successful there over the years and am looking for a strong start to act as the springboard for the season," said Emmett of his preferred
Brands Hatch circuit. His team-mates are the fast maturing Tommy Hill and last year's Yamaha R6 Cup winner Richard Wren.
Also on a Yamaha R1, similar in spec to those machines found in World Superbikes is Nvidia's first attempt in the premier championship with 2004 Superbike Cup runner up Dennis Hobbs.
Hawk Kawasaki have a twice Aussie challenge, with Dean Thomas and Glen Richards spearheading their efforts while the main Ducati thrust is expected to be provided by the returning force of GSE Racing with their riders James Haydon and Leon Haslam.
Adding further depth to the entry is the return to domestic action, after a dozen years and 186 grand prix races, of Ulsterman Jeremy McWilliams to head up the three rider Stobart Honda team.
"I'm thrilled to be racing here this season as I've been wanting to race in BSB for a couple of years now," admitted Mc
Williams. "We've had some good testing over the past couple of weeks and made some improvements to the bike so I'm really looking forward to Brands Hatch this weekend. I genuinely believe we have got the right package in order to challenge for the crown."
Alongside McWilliams at the Stobart team is Gary Mason and Michael Laverty on their all-new Fireblades, while triple British Supersport champion Karl Harris rides a similar machine prepared by Honda Racing UK. Jonathan Rea has a Honda in
Red Bull colours while John Laverty rides the Vitrans Ten Kate bike.
Steve Plater and Jon Kirkham ride the Sendo Kawasakis while Dean Ellison and Gareth Glynn have Jentin Yamahas and as Vivaldi Racing graduates into the top flight, they will have a pair of Kawasakis for Ben Wilson and Tristan Palmer.
