STK1000: Josh Elliott happy after Almeria test

'We worked hard and improved in certain areas but I feel we have still got some work to do before the first round at Brands Hatch. There is certainly much more to come from me and the bike' - Josh Elliott

Kyle White

14 Mar 2012

STK1000: Josh Elliott happy after Almeria test

Northern Ireland teenager Josh Elliott has completed a successful three-day test at Almeria in Spain as he prepares for the opening round of the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship next month.

The 17-year-old has joined the Surrey-based Carbontek Four Angels Racing Team and will ride alongside Australia's David Johnson this season, with the team using BMW machinery.

At Almeria, Elliott got to grips with the S1000RR for the first time and experimented with various settings during the shakedown.

And the talented teenager declared himself happy with his first impressions of the BMW as he blew off some cobwebs after a long winter away from the track.

Elliott, who lost his ride with the Primo Bournemouth Kawasaki team before being granted a new opportunity with the Carbontek Four Angels outfit, said: "I'm very pleased with our three-day test at Almeria. It was brilliant to be back out on a race bike again after a long, boring winter.

"The Carbontek Four Angels BMW lived up to my expectations and I was surprised by how comfortable I felt on the bike after a number of sessions," he added.

"The sheer speed of it alone had me smiling down the back straight and having the power to leave lengthy black lines of rubber down coming out of corners was enjoyable as well.

"After quickly getting used to the power and learning the characteristics of the BMW, I set myself targets throughout the last two days on track. Of course as I was getting faster and faster we encountered some difficulties in terms of chassis and suspension set-up," added Elliott.

"One of the main issues I was having on track was trying to get the bike to finish the corner and getting the power down," he added.

"We worked hard and improved in certain areas but I feel we have still got some work to do before the first round at Brands Hatch. There is certainly much more to come from me and the bike as a package."

At 14, Elliott competed in the German IDM Supersport series and also has experience of riding in the European Superstock Championship.

He has long been tipped as a rising young star and will have a golden opportunity to fulfil his potential in the National Superstock 1000 class this year.