WSS: Jones and Parkalgar ready for battle.

Jones finished fifth in the hotly contested World Supersport Championship in 2007 and is a definite title contender this year after securing Factory Honda support and the backing of Parkalgar, the futuristic motor-sport circuit under construction in Portimao in Portugal that will host the final round of the World Supersport Championship on November 2nd.

"The test could not have gone any better," stated Jones. "The 2008 CBR600 we ran was not quite at full race specification but already it feels stronger and faster in every department than last year's bike and allowed me to break the lap record for the circuit on an old race tyre."

With their test out of the way and deemed a success Jones now wants to concentrate on winning the title. He said: "Now we are back in England we have engine enhancements we can make to bring the bike fully up to 2008 specification and we know there is more to come. I am very happy with the performance of my bike and team. I am confident we can challenge for the title this year and in great physical shape, I can't wait for the racing to start."

His Portuguese team-mate Miguel Praia got his first taste of riding for the new British-based team and showed real promise to record lap times close to Jones during the test.

Praia commented: "This was my first time with my new team and bike and it was everything I could hope for. The CBR600 is faster than any bike I have ridden before and the team is very experienced and able to help me make the changes I need to go faster."

With the final round being his home race Praia will be going to win. "I finished the test less than one-second behind Craig who was fastest and I am very happy," he explained. "He has much experience with the bike and crew so for me to be this close gives me great hope. I can't wait to get racing, I think this will be a very good season for me and my big aim is to learn and be in a position to go for the victory at the Portimao circuit at the final round."

The team have Simon Buck master at the helm as Team Manager and he was impressed with how well the test went. "It has been a very busy three-day test with huge amounts of parts tested and data acquired," he said. "All credit must go to the team for its professional and enthusiastic approach. We finished half a day early with everything we wanted achieved, the fastest lap time and everyone buzzing with excitement for the start of the season!"

Following Jones' stunning performances last season, Buckmaster is expecting no less of him this time round, he said: "Craig should be challenging for top honours this year and his test performance backs that up, he's a quality rider. Miguel is stepping up to a Factory team and World Championship racing and gave a fantastic account of himself to be within a second of Craig's lap times. We are excited by his talent and to see what he can achieve this year."

The test at Almeria in Southern Spain lasted for three days and is the only on-track preparation the team will have before the racing commences next month. The 15-round World Supersport Championship supports the popular World Superbike Championship which starts at the Losail circuit in Qatar on February 23rd.