Ellison gains confidence boost at Jerez test

James Ellison has given rave reviews on the TAG Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 updates after a three-day test at Jerez alongside team-mate Shaun Winfield and team mentor Chris Walker.

The Cumbrian rider, who is preparing for his final season in the British Superbike championship, says he’s thrilled with the Yamaha his TAG squad prepared over the winter having completed a successful first test of 2018 at the Spanish circuit despite run on the final day curtailing any qualifying-style runs but was still able to complete over 150 laps.

Ellison, who will switch from his iconic #77 race number to #11 for 2018, is now relishing a follow-up test next month before returning to the UK for the official BSB test at Donington Park.

“I’d say on a whole the test has been very successful for myself and the whole TAG Racing team,” Ellison said. “I tested the bike back in November at Donington and based on the information gathered the team built me a bike they thought I would like. They did a great job. From the first lap, I felt at home on it, which was a huge confidence boost for me.

“I did have a few reservations changing suspension suppliers after feeling so good on the Yamaha last year, but so far so good. We have been consistently chipping away at the lap times over the last three days but rain in the last session put a stop to us going out for a fast lap with an SC0 unfortunately.

“That being said I’m happy with the improvements we have made so far and I’m excited to get back out in a few weeks to test again. Also, this would be a good time to clarify that I have changed to number 11 this year to honour my very loyal sponsors, and personal friends at 11 Degrees.”

TAG Yamaha will resume pre-season testing at the end of February at Cartagena for a further three-day test.