Bradley Ray is entering the opening round of the 2026 BSB season at Oulton Park with optimism despite ending the final preseason test third-fastest.

Ray has been four times a BSB winner at Oulton Park, including his memorable Race 2 win last October from 14th on the grid.

The McAMS Yamaha rider was fastest in three of the six sessions at the recent BSB test at the Cheshire circuit on 21–22 April, but was only third on the combined times and 0.7 second behind the benchmark set by Kyle Ryde on the new Ducati Panigale V4 R.

“I'm excited to get back to work with the guys at McAMS Yamaha this weekend,” said Ray.

“It's been a long winter, so it feels good to finally get back to racing. Pre-season has been a positive one for us, we've made some steps forward with the Yamaha R1 and my feeling heading into the weekend is positive. 

“Oulton is a circuit I love riding; it's fast, flowing and suits my riding style. 

“We showed last year what we're capable of there – that Race 2 win was one of the best feelings I've had with the R1, and I'm looking forward to finding that same feeling again this weekend. 

“We'll head into the weekend with the goal of making it a season opener to remember.”

Ray was victorious 12 months ago when BSB opened its season at Oulton Park, winning Race 1 from pole position and with the fastest lap. He finished behind the Ducatis of Leon Haslam and Glenn Irwin in Race 2. He was also on the podium twice in the second Oulton Park round in October, including the aforementioned Race 2 win; that came before a second place in Race 3 behind Scott Redding, who was second-fastest at the test last week.