It’s the final countdown with just 16 days to go until the much-anticipated MCE British Superbike Championship season opener at Donington Park (March 31 – April 2) and ahead of the first races of the season the circuit will host an official test next Wednesday (March 22) with free entry for fans.

It will be the first chance to see all of the 2017 contenders on track together with Luke Mossey heading to the opening round after topping the times at the recent Spanish test at Cartagena with the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team, with team-mate Leon Haslam also breaking the lap record at Guadix.

The test will mark the return of the title-winning Be Wiser Ducati team to the track with Shane 'Shakey' Byrne and Glenn Irwin absent from the recent Cartagena and Guadix tests after their earlier programme at Portimao and Jerez earlier in the month.

Davide Giugliano will make his first appearance on the British track with Tyco BMW after his recent debut in Spain alongside Christian Iddon and the test will also see Josh Brookes debut on a UK track with Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha as he bids for a second title in 2017.

Sylvain Guintoli and the Bennetts Suzuki team will be out in force as the 2014 World champion returns to Donington Park with team-mates Taylor Mackenzie and Buildbase-liveried rookie Bradley Ray.

Honda Racing’s Jason O'Halloran and Dan Linfoot will debut the new Fireblade at Donington Park after their recent visit to Monteblanco and McAMS Yamaha’s James Ellison and Michael Laverty, plus Moto Rapido Ducati’s John Hopkins will all come out hunting to have the advantage going into the opening clash of the year.

Smiths Racing BMW’s Peter Hickman and Lee Jackson, Team WD-40 Kawasaki’s Tommy Bridewell, RidersMotorcycles BMW’s Martin Jessopp, Quattro Plant FS3 Kawasaki's Billy McConnell, Lee Hardy Racing’s Jake Dixon and Czech contender Jakub Smrz with the Lloyd and Jones PR BMW team will all be in action during the official test.

Event schedule

09:05-09:45 Supersport, Superstock 600, Ducati TriOptions
09:50-10:10 Motostar
10:15-11:05 MCE BSB, Superstock 1000
11:10-11:50 Supersport, Superstock 600, Ducati TriOptions
11:55-12:50 MCE BSB, Superstock 1000
12:55-13:15 Motostar
13:15-13:40 LUNCH
13:40- 14:20 Supersport, Superstock 600, Ducati TriOptions
14:25-15:55 MCE BSB, Superstock 1000
16:00-16:20 Motostar
16:25-17:00 Supersport, Superstock 600, Ducati TriOptions