Let’s get underway for the Team’s 40th season !
Actually, it all started early this year, with races at East London and Kyalami in late January and early February. James Ellison was the chosen rider and what a great choice he was, bringing home two F1 wins and two further podiums to secure first place in the South African Classic TT F1 series. For this, the Team’s Suzuki XR69s were brought out of retirement and proved 100% effective.! Fellow Brit Danny Webb, secured the New Era category on Steve Wheatman’s GSXR750s.
Moving forward, the team will travel to Valencia in early April to test some new modifications on the GSXR1000K1s and introduce new rider Christer Lindholm to the team. Peter Linden, James Ellison and Christer will all be there, in preparation for the same rider line-up at the Paul Ricard 4 hrs race in mid May.
Old friend, Stephane Mertens will join James Ellison for the Mettet 4 hrs race.
Peter Linden will be retiring from motorcycle racing at Paul Ricard after a fantastic 40 year career, 25 years of which have been with Phase One. Without doubt, Peter has been the Team’s most successful rider, securing the 2000 World Endurance Championship, alongside Warwick Nowland and Stephane Mertens, plus, a 24hrs win at Oschersleben and more than 20 classic race wins. Much more will be said about Peter later.
In summary, the plan this year is; Paul Ricard 4hrs (May) Linden/Ellison/Lindholm, Mettet 4 hrs (May) Ellison/Mertens, Classic Bol 2x2hrs (Sept) Ellison/xxx and the inaugural Navarra 4hrs (Nov) Ellison/xxx. Plus, some short circuit events to keep fresh across the summer.
Major backing will once again come from stalwarts, 4tronic and Continental Tyres, plus invaluable additional support from Beringer, R&G, Ragged Edge, Hel, Marchant Engineering Services, SBS and Racefit.
Thanks to all team members, supporters and riders for their continued support.