Steve Martin talks to MCN about joining British Superbikes' Virgin Yamaha

Steve Martin is expected to make his British Superbike debut for the Virgin Yamaha team at Croft on August 12, 2007. 

The Australian will also be on-board for the remaining races at Cadwell Park on August 27, Donington Park on September 23 and Brands Hatch on October 14.

Steve Martin has a commitment to Yamaha Austria at the Suzuka Eight Hour on July 29 and with this in mind Virgin Yamaha team boss Rob McElnea thought it would have been a mistake fielding him at Oulton Park or Mallory Park next weekend with no experience of these circuits.

To compensate for not having visited any of these circuits before, Martin will be doing track days on a road bike. The idea of this will be for Martin, who started the season with World Superbikes’ DFX Corse team, to familiarise himself with the tracks where he has not ridden before.

The 38-year-old Australian tested the team’s R1 at Donington last week and gave the bike and the team a big thumbs up.

MCN asked him about the test – and coming to British Superbikes.
 
MCN: Steve, the team seemed really happy with the work you did at the test. What chance is there we’ll be seeing you in British Superbikes for the remainder of the season?

Martin: Now I’ve ridden the R1 I’ve got to say I’m comfortable with the bike and the team. But I’ve not spoken to Rob (McElnea – Virgin team boss) about the next step.

All I know is that he asked me to come and give my opinion on the bike. When I’m asked to do something like that I tell it as it is.
 
MCN: So how was the bike as a package?

Martin: It’s easy to ride and that’s important. I’d say it’s the best superbike I’ve ridden. It does everything the way it should. 

Whoever developed the engine did a good job. It’s smooth and linear and easy to get on the power. That’s the secret of going fast.
 
MCN: What about the chassis?

Martin: One of the best I’ve ridden. You can chuck it in and the front sticks and turns. We had no special tyres, just normal race rubber so that was impressive.

The tyres worked well, particularly since there was no rubber down to help me. I rode the Yamaha France R21 but that was a kit bike. This is much more developed.
 
MCN: So with that in mind, how about British Superbikes? How would you feel about jumping into the seat with the season half over and no knowledge of our so-called ‘goat tracks’?

Martin: It would be hard to come half way through a season on a bike that’s not set up for me. I never considered British Superbikes before but I think it’s one of the most professional outfits in the world there’s a lot of factory teams here, doing the job properly.

The number one thing I hope that comes out of this test is that I’ve helped conform a direction for the team to go in.

And I hope I’ve helped Tommy. I don’t know him that well but he seems like a nice guy.