KENDAL'S James Ellison begins his assault on the MCE British Superbike Championship at Silverstone this weekend.

After a busy pre-season of testing, the JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider with teammates Leon Haslam and Peter Hickman head to the opening round in confident fashion.

With the all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R arriving last year, the JG Speedfit team has been working around the clock throughout the winter building the three Superbikes Ellison, Haslam and Hickman will hope can take them to glory.

Working through a number of engine and chassis settings over the twelve testing days, the team concluded their programme last week with a final day at the official BSB test at Silverstone.

As the longest circuit on the calendar, Silverstone poses a unique challenge for the riders as the high speeds and impressive grip offered from the asphalt can lead to increased tyre wear.

Ellison said: “I can’t wait to get going! I’ve had a good history at Silverstone, we currently hold the lap record and I led both races last year but some tyre issues prevented us from showing our true form. It’s been a busy winter with testing, and the team hasn’t stopped working.

"We’ve still got a few things to try during practice this weekend, but I think we’re in a good place. My first impressions of the ZX-10R were very positive and that hasn’t changed since, it’s a completely new bike still so we still have some things to refine but its potential is strong. I love the circuit too, it’s very fast and flowing and is one of the best tracks in the country so I’m looking forward to getting back out and stretching the ZX-10R’s legs in a race!”