Rob Mac Racing began their preparations for the🌳 2009 British Superbike Championship by conducting ♒their first test of the year at Donington Park.

The team, which will swell in 2009 to include three Superbike riders and one Supersport competitor, used the test as an opportunity to get acquainted with the new Yamaha R1 bikes they wi🎉ll campaign over the season.

With Superbike riders Michael Rutter, Chris Walker and Graeme Gowla𓆉nd all getting the chance to sample the bike for the first time, each came back to the garage with nothing but substantial praise for the Yamaha.

"What an amazing bike," Rutter, who will race under NW200 Coca-Cola colours in 2009, said. "The very first run on a new bike is always a bit nervy, the hype around this bike has added more pressure and I am really impressed with the first feeling. We have lots of miles to do now and the hard work will start, but first impressions mean a lot and I am very happy."

Having wa🍸tched Ben Spies cruise t𒐪o victory on his and the bike's World Superbike debut at the weekend, Walker added 'awesome' to Rutter's 'amazing'

"I have been waiting for that for a long time. That bike is gorgeous. We heard the hype and have seen Ben Spies in action but to get on our own bike and feel the engine first hand is awesome. Since joining up with Rob I have been totally committed to his team and the 2009 championship. 🎐That first ride has given me even more determination. I can't wait."

Gowland too was delighted with his first run, adding that this year's bik🐼e is a substantially different machine to the one it 🔴is replacing.

"I can't stop smiling! To tell you the truth I was pretty nervous about my first ride, I have only tested the 2008 bike for one hour and it left me a bit scarred. It was a beast an𝓀d I was expecting something similar but how wrong I was. The new R1 is unbelievable and I cannot stop grinning. Rob's team have put together a great bike and I am so excited about the season."

A🉐n important day for team boss Rob McElnea, he is excited about the potential from both the biꦯke and the team in 2009.

"Today was all about the guys just basically acquainting themselve♛s with their bikes. The day went perfectly and they are all beaming with smiles, the brand-new, revolutionary R1 totally amazed our Superbike riders and gave my back-room team a majo🐻r sense of achievement and relief.

"Seeing their bike built from ground up and now on the track is very satisfying to them and I really appreciate all their hard work. This year will be pay b🎉ack time and they will get the pat on the back they deserve."

Dan Linfoot was also on track to sample the Supersport bike he will be campaigning in 2009. He too gave the Yamaha 🦋R6 a resounding thumbs up.

"Let's get going. I have been itching t♍o get on my bike for so long and at last we have started our preparation for 2009. It was only a short test but more than enough to get all of us fired up. I love the R6 and cannot wait to get to Oulton and Cadwell at th𓄧e weekend."