The major players in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship have their final opportunity to test their machines ahead of the new season as they take part in an intensive three day work out at Snetterton this weekend.

The Superbikes have three sessions on each of the days at the Norfolk circuit and this will provide the chance for members of the public to see their heroes in action, with the machines sporting their new colours, and the riders who have swapped teams during the close season settling to their new challenges.

Ryuichi Kiyonari, the defending champion for HM Plant Honda, will be keen to re-assert himself, having been outpaced recently by his new team-mate Jonathan Rea, while in both the Rizla Suzuki and Stobart Vent Axia Motorsport teams there is an interesting blend of youth and experience.

Chris Walker, four times the runner-up in the title chase, is back with Suzuki, and has British Supersport champion Cal Crutchlow as his team-mate while Shane Byrne lines up again for Stobart team-boss Paul Bird with whom he won the crown in 2003. Tom Sykes graduate into the top flight as his teamster.

James Haydon is back with Virgin Media Yamaha, lining up alongside Tommy Hill while there is no change at Airwaves Ducati where Leon Haslam, last season's runner-up and Gregorio Lavilla, the former title winner, continue for another term.

Michael Rutter needs track time as he continues to develop the latest Kawasaki with the MSS Discovery team, while Scott Smart will be playing catch-up having signed a last minute deal to ride for Hawk Kawasaki,

The importance of this official test is not lost on the teams and series organisers, for the first time this test takes on extra gravitas, as participation is compulsory for the Superbike Championship  teams. Series Director Stuart Higgs explained, "We have been trying to create a pre-season "Super Test" for three yeas now, and this years example at Snetterton is precisely what we want, a genuine competitive show and first-look at all the major players, good for the teams, the media and importantly the fans, ahead of the first race at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend, 7/8/9 April.

The supporting cast to that event will also be in Snetterton action with various sessions daily for the riders in the British Supersport Championship; British 125GP Championship and the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championship and Cup.

The action begins at 09.00 on each day with the Superbikes on track:

Friday - 10.05-10.55; 12.45-13.35; 15.25-16.25

Saturday - 10.00-11.00; 12.25-13.25 (followed by Pit Walk); 15.25-16.25

Sunday - 09.40-10.40; 12.20-13.20 (followed by Pit Walk); 15.25-16.35 (feature session)

Adult admission is £12 (with the ticket covering all three days) and accompanied children aged 12 years and younger are admitted FREE of charge.

ends.