Centurion Racing finally got their testing schedule underway this week at Calafat circuit in Spain. Usual Centurion runner Dan Cooper was joined by new 2009 signing, youngster Tom Grant.

The 20-year-old, from Melbourne, Derby was giving the opportunity to ride for the professional Centurion Racing team early last week and he jumped at the offer to ride the Honda 600's in the forthcoming Fuchs Silkolene British Supersport season.
 
The two Centurion Honda riders successfully completed a three day test at the Spanish circuit in the dry but windy conditions. The new Honda's were already proving to be an advantage and both riders are fully fit and eager for the new season to arrive.

Grant missed the majority of 2008 after a serious arm injury sustained at Knockhill forced him to sit out the remainder of the British Superbike Championship series.
 
Grant has settled in well to the Centurion team and has proved his worth to the team straight away, especially considering he has never been to Calafat until now.

The only other team to join the two Centurion riders in Spain was Crescent Suzuki and their new British Superbike rider Sylvain Guintoli, which allowed the two teams essential and extensive track time to make changes and test new parts.
 
The team have two final testing sessions before their trip concludes, their next stop is Almeria and then onto Cartagena before heading back to the UK. Centurion Racing would once again like to thank their sponsors for their continued and loyal support for the 2009 season. The entire team are extremely excited about the new racing year and with riders Cooper and Grant they are looking forward to some strong and consistent results.

Dan Cooper commented, “I’ve not been on a bike since the last race at Brands Hatch, so I was a little rusty to start off with. As there was only Centurion and Crescent there it was perfect as we got plenty of track time which allowed us both to get the bikes set up right and working well.

"We completed a couple of race simulations once we got the bikes up to scratch and this was a good indication to test the tyres, bike and my fitness. By the end of the three days I was beginning to feel really confident again and eager to get back racing; I’m looking forward to moving on to Almeria and making more progress with the bikes in preparation for Brands Hatch in April.”

Grant said: “I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity by Gary and Paul from Centurion and one that I couldn’t’ say no to. I was beginning to wonder what I might be doing in 2009 when I got the call and jumped at the chance.

"Before I knew it I was out here in Spain with the Centurion team. It’s been a good couple of days and I really like the Honda and the entire Centurion team. I’m really grateful that they have given me the opportunity and would like to be one of the front runners in the Championship this season.

We have a couple more tests and that should ensure that by the time Brands gets here I’m up to speed with everything and can push for the title.”