Reading set up Italian job.

Reading Racers have shown their intention of being a major force in the Premier League, by arranging an intensive two-day training session in Italy. The team will be under the guidance of former Racer and Italian legend Armando Castagna.

Six of the Racers team will jet out from Stanstead Airport, just hours after attending the Speedway GB Exhibition at Stoneleigh on Sunday March 9th. New signing Jonas Davidsson will then join up with his team-mates in Italy, directly from a training camp in Slovenia.

The four-day trip will allow the team to get to know each other well, both on and off the track. They will be accompanied by three mechanics, Racers Co-Promoter Chris Shears, new Team Manager Ivan Shears and long time friend of Castagna and Racers Track Curator Doug Harris.

The team will fly into Venice before basing themselves at nearby Arzignano, in a hotel owned by Castagna. They will spend the afternoon of Monday 10th March testing bikes and practising at Lonigo, under the guidance of Castagna and Grand Prix rider Bo Bhrel. The next day will see the team spending a full days practice at Udine, where Castagna will be able to pass valuable advice to the lesser experienced riders in the team.

Team Manager Shears explained, "This will give each of the team ample opportunity to test new engines, bike set-ups and blow away the cobwebs before the season starts".

"It will also give us an opportunity to discuss who rides where in the team and more importantly, will give the lads time to get to know each other and build a strong team spirit".

Racers captain Phil Morris feels the trip shows the professional approach that Racers Management are showing towards the new campaign.

The Welshman commented, "Armando's advice will be invaluable to all the lads, not only in terms of riding lines and gating, but also in bike set-up".

Morris feels that a team spirit will be a major factor in the Racers challenge for silverware, "Over the past few years we have not always been together as a team, this trip will allow the boys time to get to know each other and, that can only be good in terms of building a strong spirit within the club."

With Racers spending four days out of the country, this means there will be no formal practice at Smallmead prior to the season opener against Newport on March 17th. However, it is hoped that a Fans Forum will take place before the curtain lifts on what promises to be an exciting season for the Smallmead Club - Full details of the forum will be circulated as soon as they are available.

In addition, the club have called a press conference for Monday 3rd March, when a major announcement will be made - Full details of this will be released early next week.