Malcolm Ashley has revealed his plans for the coming season, at a very swanky launch in Jerez. His team, formerly known as MAR, has become Team ARP is an exciting joint venture between Malcolm Ashley and Russian Superbike team ARP. The new team brings the two countries closer together with Malcolm riding the brand new 2008 Kawasaki ZX10-R in the BSB, and 24 year old Russian newcomer Stepanov Roman riding an all new 2008 ZX6-R in the Supersport Cup. Stepan is a real miracle, being back on a bike after breaking his back in a horrendous crash at the Hungaroring in December 2006. The new team will remain based at Hinckley in Leicestershire.

This new team is a historic link with the Russian racing scene, and heralds a co-operation that puts BSB in a great position going forward with lots of opportunities on both sides. Stewart Higgs was understandably delighted. “This is a real coup for BSB, and MAR in particular. We very much look forward to working with the Russians, and feel that both parties bringing a lot to the table”.

Malcolm Ashley, who has been responsible for the deal feels that this is an opportunity not to missed. “Bike racing is huge in Russia with the BSB being regarded as the premiere domestic race series in the world. I am proud to be involved with ARP and in my meetings in Russia they have been fantastic. I am sure that Roman will grow into the team, but it will be hard for him learning the circuits”.

The new ZX10-R has a totally new traction control system and other improvements which should make it far more competitive in 2008. Malcolm – the only Kawasaki rider on a superbike podium last year has felt at home with the bike from the first lap today. “It is smoother than last years bike, and has a lot more traction and speed out of the corners. I love it!”

The new ZX6-R is a totally new machine to the team and Roman. Unlike his Russian machine which has a quickshift and other tweeks, this ZX6-R is more basic but quicker. “I love to learn on this bike” he said, “it is very responsive and the brakes are fantastic. I just want to spend as much time on it as possible and get the set up right” In a good opening session, Roman was up to a 2:03.6 lap of Jerez which he believes he can really improve on once the bike is sorted to his style.