The threat of bad weather hung over Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s final preparations for the first test of 2006 which starts tomorrow in Phillip Island. But tomorrow’s forecast rain was unable to dampen the enthusiasm of new rider Craig Jones, who today celebrates his 21st birthday. The test sees three World Superbike teams and one American Superbike team take to the track for four days at the coastal circuit. More ideal testing and warm weather are forecast from Wednesday onwards. The comprehensive test schedule planned is an extension of the progress made during the team’s last test at Doha, Qatar, in December and includes braking systems, temperature management packages, suspension, wheels and electrical system modifications, alongside continued engine development. Young British star, Craig Jones, commented: “I’m having a really good time and have enjoyed the last few days having some down time with the team and looking around Phillip Island. But being at the track today with the team while they’ve been setting up has really got me fired up, and now I can’t wait to get out on the track tomorrow. I obviously want to get as much out of this test as possible and if we achieve as much as we did in Qatar then I’ll be very happy. Initially my aim will be to learn the circuit and then I can concentrate on putting in some good lap times. This is also the first time I’ve experienced jet lag so I can now tell my fitness trainer what I’ve felt so that he can put a regime together for me to help when we come back here for the race.” Coming to one of his ‘home’ circuits and feeling back on form following kidney surgery last October, Steve Martin said: “I feel really good – much better and stronger in myself than I was at Qatar, so I’m looking forward to putting in lots of laps here and really pushing myself. My superpole lap here last March during the race weekend was pretty special so I’m not sure I can better that in the next few days, but I would like to try and improve on my lap time from the race as that will give me a really good indication of where we’re at.” Team Manager, Jack Valentine, commented: “This test is really a continuation of our last test in Qatar, so we’re looking to make even further progress in order to put us in a really solid position for the start of the season.”