Craig Jones, who came good in the final rounds of the 2007 world supersport championship, appears to be picking up where he left off, recording decent times during winter testing at Almeria in southern Spain.

Now that he has his former team boss Simon Buckmaster on board as well as a title sponsor in the shape of Portuguese company Parkalgar, we may well see Jones battling for the title in what looks like a savagely competitive world supersport grid in 2008. Here's the press release:

Parkalgar Honda World Supersport racer Craig Jones finished his pre-season test preparations at the Almeria circuit in Spain today breaking the lap record and building confidence for his World Championship assault.

After finishing fifth in the hotly contested World Supersport Championship in 2007, Jones is a title contender this year after securing Factory Honda support and the backing of Parkalgar, the futuristic motor-sport circuit under construction in Portimao in Portugal that will host the final round of the World Supersport Championship on November 2nd.

Portuguese Parkalgar Honda rider Miguel Praia got his first taste of riding for the new British-based team and showed real promise to record lap times close to Jones during the test.

The test at Almeria in Southern Spain lasted for three days and is the only on-track preparation the team will have before the racing commences next month. The 14-round World Supersport Championship supports the popular World Superbike Championship which starts at the Losail circuit in Qatar on February 23rd.

Craig Jones:“The test could not have gone any better. The 2008 CBR600 we ran was not quite at full race specification but already it feels stronger and faster in every department than last year's bike and allowed me to break the lap record for the circuit on an old race tyre.

“Now we are back in England we have engine enhancements we can make to bring the bike fully up to 2008 specification and we know there is more to come. I am very happy with the performance of my bike and team. I am confident we can challenge for the title this year and in great physical shape, I can't wait for the racing to start.”

Miguel Praia:“This was my first time with my new team and bike and it was everything I could hope for. The CBR600 is faster than any bike I have ridden before and the team is very experienced and able to help me make the changes I need to go faster.

“I finished the test less than one-second behind Craig who was fastest and I am very happy. He has much experience with the bike and crew so for me to be this close gives me great hope. I can't wait to get racing, I think this will be a very good season for me and my big aim is to learn and be in a position to go for the victory at the Portimao circuit at the final round.”

Simon Buckmaster, Team Manager:“It has been a very busy three-day test with huge amounts of parts tested and data acquired. All credit must go to the team for its professional and enthusiastic approach. We finished half a day early with everything we wanted achieved, the fastest lap time and everyone buzzing with excitement for the start of the season.

“Some quick riders joined us on the test but in fairness, our main Championship contenders were absent so while we are happy with the lap times, the real test will come when we start racing in Qatar. We will not be complacent and will be working on refining the bikes for both riders before the start of the season to give them the best chance for success.

“Craig should be challenging for top honours this year and his test performance backs that up, he's a quality rider. Miguel is stepping up to a Factory team and World Championship racing and gave a fantastic account of himself to be within a second of Craig's lap times. We are excited by his talent and to see what he can achieve this year.