Jack Kennedy believes Mar-Train Yamaha Racing unlocked some of the untapped potential of their R1 machine following testing in Spain.
The team is preparing for its first full season in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, with the opening round at Silverstone at the start of April.
Kennedy finished eighth fastest at Circuito de Navarra after three days of testing from March 11-13, and also got laps under his belt during a private test at Andalucia.
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The four-time British Supersport champion admits he is still adjusting to life on the bigger Superbike, but says he is excited by the potential of the R1 Yamaha.
The Dubliner said: "It was a very good test. We got loads of track time and we are just trying to build that connection and understanding with the bike.
"It is so different to the Supersport bike, so the mileage we got was vital. We also have some new team members, so it was brilliant to build that connection as well.
"There are a million things you can change on a Superbike compared to a Supersport, so we are exploring all those avenues to see what works for the bike, me and the team.
"We had a crash at the end of testing, which was disappointing, but I felt we made really good progress overall. And I feel I have a bike we can push and get more out of.
"One minute you think you're at the limit with the bike, then you tweak a couple of things, and you end up with a better lap time. We changed one or two things which made quite a big difference, so it bodes well.
"I am excited to see what I can do on it and I am looking forward to pushing it further. There is definitely so much untapped potential with the bike.
"It takes time to build that relationship with the new bike, and we just need mileage. That's what these tests provide. We got the track times and the weather and plenty of laps in Spain."
Kennedy and Lisburn-based Mar-Train Yamaha Racing's next outing will be on March 28-29 at another official test session at Silverstone, the same venue for round one of the British Superbike Championship.
Kennedy said: "We're looking forward to that. The fact it's the venue for the first round is a bonus, too.
"I can't wait to get a feel for the bike around there, and also riding in UK weather compared to the warm conditions of Spain."
Mar-Train Yamaha Racing Team Owner, Tim Martin, was also encouraged by the Spanish test session.
He said: "The testing went well, and we are learning all the time. Jack was on the pace and finished P8 overall, which is a positive.
"The fact it is our first official BSB test on the Superbike, it is a lot of learning for Jack and the team. But it bodes well for the year ahead.
"We have a few additional guys on the team as well this season, because we will be on track a lot more with the scheduling.
"We are excited for the season ahead, and we will have one more official test session at Silverstone and then be ready for the start of the Championship next month."
For more information on Mar-Train Racing follow the team on Facebook: @MarTrainRacing / Instagram: @martrainracing_ / Twitter: @Mar_trainRacing
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