Virgin Yamaha trio set to rock Brands.

The Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha British Superbike team head south for the second round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Since the opening round two weeks ago, the team have been hard at work continuing their development programme on the all-new Yamaha R1 and, with the results gained, are confident of a strong performance at the Kent track.

Last year Steve Plater and Gary Mason each scored seventh and sixth places on the shorter Indy track and will be looking to net more valuable points at this early stage of the season.

Plater knows he will need make sure he gets a clear run and be lap-perfect in qualifying. "Qualifying will really be important and difficult this weekend," Plater predicts. "We will all be looking for clear slot and not get caught up in any traffic as even as little as a tenth of a second makes a massive difference on such a small track. I'm hoping that it will be dry and, if it is, I'm sure there will be some great racing to be had."

Mason is also aware that qualifying at the Indy circuit is crucial and knows that he needs to be up at the front as the track has few passing areas. "There are only two main sections that you can pass: Paddock Hill Bend and going into Druids," the Lichfield-based rider comments. "With a lap time of about 46 seconds you are quickly on to back markers, so it is important to make an impression right from the start."

Tommy Hill, the third member of the Virgin Mobile Samsung squad, can't wait for the lights to go out on his second Superbike race. Hill is eager to get back in action at the circuit where he won the R6 Cup series last year.

Hill, who arrives at his local track with eleven points to his name, commented: "I had my first ever race at Brands, won the R6 Cup race here last year and tied up the championship, and it's practically right on my doorstep; so you could say it is my favourite track. I have many good memories here and I hope to be able to add to them this weekend. My first Superbike meeting was excellent, I was really happy with the results and I'm looking to continue in the same vein this weekend."