BSB: Ellison keen to stamp authority from the off

James Ellison is confident he can return to being a regular MCE British Superbike frontrunner as the 2017 season kicks off at Donington Park this weekend.

The Cumbrian ace struggled with consistency with the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team last year, but on his day is undoubtedly one of the quickest riders on the grid. Moving to McAMS Yamaha for 2017, Ellison is confident he can fight for the title from the off.

The Blackpool-based outfit, new to the superbike class for 2017, enjoyed a strong pre-season test in Spain with both Ellison and team-mate Michael Laverty turning heads with their out-of-the-crate pace with the YZF-R1, but can they turn it into race pace this weekend? 

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“I can’t wait to get going now!” Ellison said. “This first round is going to be interesting; where the official test was wet we didn’t get an idea of where everyone is at – so the first real reflection will be in free practice on Friday. I am feeling excited and confident ahead of this weekend; we have a great set up in the McAMS Yamaha team and we made a good start when we had our pre-season test in Spain.

“I believe we have the bike to fight for this championship and Donington Park is my local circuit so that makes it special too. For confidence it is important to come out at the first round and stamp your authority to show you are a title contender. Everyone wants to get the season off to the best possible start and I am fired up for it that’s for sure!”

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