GBmoto Kawasaki’s James Ellison will get his winter testing schedule under way at Cartagena on Friday before joining an official MCE British Superbike test at Almeria early next week.

The Kendal rider, who switched to Kawasaki from the Milwaukee Yamaha team at the end of last season, aims to get a base setting at Cartagena before measuring himself against some of the BSB pack at the abrasive Almeria.

“It’s been a long winter so I can’t wait to get out and shake off a few cobwebs! I’m really excited to finally get out there and try the Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki, I’ve heard lots of great things about the ZX-10R so am looking forward to trying it for myself. Naturally there’s a bit of apprehension with trying a new bike, but Chris speaks really highly of it and the guys at the workshop have put an incredible amount of effort in, so I’m confident it’s going to be impressive,” said Ellison.

The fact we have a full and comprehensive testing schedule in place ahead of Brands is fantastic, Cartagena will allow us to get back up to speed riding a Superbike after the winter and then begin to work on a base setting for the season.

“This series of tests will also allow us to try some things to see what does and doesn’t work, so when we’re into the season we don’t have to worry about trying things during a Friday practice. We’ll be focusing on getting the bike dialed in for the year, so I won’t be pushing to break any lap records, but I’m confident if all goes to plan we’ll be able to go to the Donington test and be up there with the other BSB teams.”