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It is with great delight that the squad announces that former GP500 winner Simon Crafar has confirmed his commitment to Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa Yamaha in the British Championship for 2002. Although Simon seems to have been around for awhile he has only just turned 33 [15 January].
Initially, Simon signed for the squad as part of the two-man line-up, which would have included Haydon. With his place already confirmed within the team before Haydon’s announcement to leave for Foggy, Crafar will now be starting alongside his new team-mate, 28 year old Steve Plater, for a totally committed challenge in the domestic series.
The New Zealander’s huge experience in both World Superbike and GP500 Championships gives him an unrivalled respect and credibility from his peers, teams and fans around the world. Simon’s extensive time working with suspension experts Ohlins also means that he has an almost unparalleled understanding on how to get the best from a race bike.
One of the most exciting talents to have emerged in the 500cc class over the past few years, Crafar wowed the fans and rocked the racing world when he capitalised on his stunning form with a win at Donington in 1998, sweeping past the pack to eclipse five-times World Champion Mick Doohan en route to the top of the podium for Yamaha.
McElnea added: ‘Having Simon join our team is incredibly exciting. Coming from his extensive experience in World Superbike and the 500cc GP, I have no doubt that he will be a vital part of our team and bring a fantastic show to the British Championship as well.We are all going to gain so much value from his presence and experience. ‘James’ decision to go to the World Superbikes is a loss to the both the British series and our team but with Simon Crafar riding for us we have not lost any ground at all. ‘In fact, we have gained. Simon is a world class rider who I am sure will bring a lot to the domestic series and the development of the Yamaha R1.’
The decision by McElnea to bring Simon into the team looks to be paying dividends already. After just a handful of laps onboard last year’s Virgin Mobile Aiwa Yamaha R7 factory Superbike at Almeria, Southern Spain, Crafar lapped at Superbike pace, proving just how talented he is and immediately confirming his place amongst the top rider’s world rankings.
Speaking from the test McElnea said: ‘He was very fast right from the off, proving his place among the best in the world. Testing and racing are two very different disciplines of course and the real performances need to come once the racing starts, but right now Simon seems very impressive on the Yamaha. ‘The announcement of Simon joining us has brought a real buzz to the team. It means that we will be able to concentrate our assault on the title in a terrifically structured way and be able to build on that even further with our other rider. ‘We have already started working very closely with Simon and his feedback is invaluable. The first tests gave us a real insight which has fed the hunger of the team even more.’
Crafar, famous around the globe for his flamboyant style, relished his time in Spain saying: ‘the bike feels absolutely fantastic. Straight away I was able to put in some fast lap times, and that is on a machine that was set up for somebody else. For the coming season, I will be able to develop the bike and it\'s set up, to suit my style. I can’t wait to get out there in front of the British fans!” ‘I know the British Superbike series is very competitive and that is something I am really looking forward to. Especially as I have such an experienced and strong team around me.’ \"I am very happy to be continuing my career on a Yamaha. I have a lot of experience with Yamaha’s and I know that they are one of the best bikes around. I am sure Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa will build a fantastic bike for me to race\".
You can keep an eye on Simon`s BSB performances thru the Virgin Website; www.virginmobileracing.com
