Haydon to make BSB century with Virgin Yahama.

Virgin Mobile Samsung Yamaha today confirmed that former Virgin Mobile racer James Haydon is set to make his 100th British Superbike appearance at Mondello Park, Ireland, in nine days time as he steps in for the injured Steve Plater.

Haydon, who has amassed a total of 98 British superbike starts and nine victories, returns to the team he last rode for in 2001, when he finished fourth in the Championship and graced the podium 12 times. The 29-year-old racer recently tested the all-new Yamaha R1 and is looking forward to working with the team at the next three rounds.

"I didn't think I would see myself back at Virgin Mobile this year, but to be asked to step in for Steve is an honour," said Haydon, who has already made an appearance in the British Superbikes this year when he rode the ETI Ducati at the Snetterton round. "It's great to work with Rob and the team again; they are a great bunch of professionals. I tested the bike earlier in the week and had a smile on my face all day.

"The bike was good and the engine fantastic. We did some work on the set-up for me and the day was very productive. I've never raced at Mondello before, so I know I'll have a lot of work to do when we get there, but it will be great to back on track with Virgin Mobile again."

Team boss Rob McElnea is also looking forward to seeing Haydon put the Yamaha through its paces at the tricky Irish track and is confident that his former employee will produce a pleasing result in the Emerald Isle.

"It's always rather frustrating when your number one rider is sidelined with an injury, at any stage in the season," McElnea commented. "Luckily we were fortunate enough to be able to call on James and recruit him for Mondello, Thruxton and Brands. We had a good test earlier in the week: it gave James a good feel for the bike and we were pleased with the results gained."

Virgin Mobile's Brand Director James Kydd was also pleased to hear that Haydon would be standing in for Plater. "It will be great to see James back in action with the Virgin Mobile squad and we hope that he has a productive meeting in Ireland," he said. "Obviously it was unfortunate that Steve was injured at Oulton Park and we wish him a speedy recovery and James the best of luck for the next three races."