Mission accomplished with new Virgin line-up.

Virgin Mobile's investment in young racing talent - through the Virgin Mobile Cup - has paid off for 2006, with all three Virgin Mobile Yamaha BSB riders having passed through the series.

The signing of the young trio - which consists of former 'Cup champion Tommy Hill (21), reigning champion Billy McConnell (19) and former runner-up Kieran Clarke (21) - has left Virgin boasting that they are comfortably leading the way when it comes to promoting the next generation of two wheeled stars.

"What makes it particularly exciting is that this year we are really seeing the investment in young riders made by Rob (McElnea), Yamaha and Virgin Mobile pay off," confirmed Steve Rogan, head of sponsorship at Virgin Mobile.

"With a team featuring two Virgin Mobile Cup champions in Tommy and Billy, and one runner up in Kieran we're clearly doing something right. We may not have won the championship yet but we are the only team in the paddock discovering new talent and developing young riders.

"We are committed to continuing this support and I genuinely believe it won't be long before we see the rewards," concluded Rogan.

"It has been my goal right from day one to have a team completely made up of Virgin Mobile Cup riders and this year it has happened," added team manager Rob McElnea.

Virgin Mobile Yamaha will start their pre-season testing programme today (Tuesday) at Croft.