Virgin Media launch then test.

Virgin Media Optoma Loans Yamaha officially launched its 2007 campaign at Croft earlier this week, where the largest team in the BSB paddock also took to the track for a two-day test.

Having made the winter change from Virgin Mobile to Virgin Media, and acquired additional title sponsor support from Optoma Loans, the team - which will field a British Superbike attack by Tommy Hill and James Haydon, a British Supersport campaign with Billy McConnell and Tom Grant, plus a full 29-rider line-up in the 2007 Virgin Media Cup - first unveiled its new livery, before all classes got track time on their new machines.

"We have an exciting class for 07, many of whom have the potential to be new superstars in the making," said team owner Rob McElnea. "This is the eighth year in the relationship with the Virgin group, starting with the new mobile brand, and now with Media. This is another great opportunity for us to grow with them."

"Our involvement with Superbikes is about much more than painting a team red," insisted James Kydd, managing director of marketing at Virgin Media. "We're continuing to support the sport at a grass roots level through the Virgin Media Cup."

"Being included as joint title sponsor of the Superbike team is a fantastic opportunity for us," added Andrew Seymour, chairman of Optoma Loans.

But it is continued support from Yamaha Motor UK that has allowed the creation of the new Supersport team - which the winner of this year's Virgin Media Cup will earn a place in for 2008. Pirelli will also support the team in all its activities.

With the launch complete the team took to the track to continue serious development ahead of the new season. Hill concentrated on rear suspension set-up around one of the most technical circuits in the country and, coupled with successfully testing a series of new compound front Pirelli tyres, the young Briton claimed to be confident in the ability of his new R1.

"We've got a great package for the season ahead," declared Tommy. "I can't wait to get out there racing again. The championship is going to be unbelievable this year. There are at least ten rider capable of winning races and we intend to be one them."

The experienced Haydon focussed his attention on finding an optimum set-up with Pirelli rubber.

"It's great to be back with Rob and the team," said the former Rizla Suzuki rider. "Although brand new, it's a great bike and I've been concentrating on matching the bike with Pirelli tyres during the past few tests."

Meanwhile, Supersport newcomer Grant took the opportunity to gain extended time in the saddle and find race distance tyres for his R6. "The Supersport bike is looking really strong," he said. "Last year was a steep learning curve for me, and I know this year will be even steeper. However, I'm confident that I can mix it and stick the Yamaha R6 into the top six."

McConnell's crew made significant front suspension changes that resulted in improved lap times round the 2.1-mile circuit. Once again, the team has been working hard with Pirelli to find tyres that will allow Billy to maintain a consistently fast pace. "The Yamaha R6 feels like a real race winner that I know will help me challenge for the championship this year," he declared.

"The lads covered over 250-laps between them. We've had fantastic weather conditions, and two days dedicated track time," summed up McElnea. "We've made a lot of progress and achieved our goals. The test couldn't have gone any better. As ever, the team has worked tirelessly, and it's smiles all round."