Van Leuven makes step-up

After spending the last two years racing in the Superstock 600 class, Dutch rider Van Leuven is to make the step up to the 1,000cc class where he will partner Fisher.

The Wyberton-based team have recently returned from Spain, where they put the new bikes through their paces in some winter testing.

They moved on to Silverstone and Donington last week taking in the two official British Superbike test days where they put the finishing touches to the set up prior to the first race at the weekend.

Van Leuven said: “We have been tweaking things here and there to make sure the bikes are both ready for the first race.

“We made a few changes to the set up and are now happy with the way the bikes perform.

“I am feeling positive and looking forward to my first race in the Stock 1,000 class.”

Fisher added: “We both have a brand new 2016 Kawasaki and it is mint.

“I cannot wait to get it on the track under race conditions to see just how fast it is.

“I have to thank the team for their hard work in getting the machines up to pristine condition and also our sponsors for their continued support.

“I also welcome some new sponsors on board and we will both be trying hard to bring some top results back for them.”

Free practice at Silverstone is on Friday at 11.45am, followed by the first qualifying session later in the day at 2.40pm.

Final qualifying is on Saturday at 12.50pm and the combined results will set the grid for the 11 lap race on Sunday at 2.15pm.

The race will benefit from live television coverage on Eurosport 2.