It’s been a busy week in Europe for the Australian contingent, with the major news being Josh Waters and Broc Parkes’ debut for the Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team during a two-day test at Magny-Cours in France.

Super chilly weather and a wet track greeted the newcomers on the opening day, but both managed to get some track time on the Endurance World Championship specification YZF-R1 on the opening day. Come day two, that was in fact snowed out… welcome to the European pre-season!

Waters had to head straight back to the UK from France for the first official British Superbike test of the season, which is taking place at Donington Park on Thursday.

It’s a historic circuit, one that Josh will be familiar with when it comes to the basic direct, but these first steps will be vital in his development and confidence. Fingers crossed for dry weather at least, which it looks like it will be.

This inner-team ‘battle’ between Waters and Parkes in EWC will be a nice gauge of sorts in 2013, because while they won’t be competing against each other, we’ll get a basic indication of each rider’s form.

What’s interesting about that is that Waters is obviously on the Milwaukee Yamaha in BSB and Parkes is back here in Australia with the Yamaha Racing Team.

Broc Parkes and Josh Waters in France earlier this week.

What will majorly benefit Waters though is the experience of Parkes, who has been in Europe since 2001. Both former dirt trackers and very down to earth guys, no doubt Broc will be sharing all of his knowledge with Josh to ensure a smooth transition to full time international competition.

And lets not forget that BSB again has Josh Brookes coming in as a title favourite, and the Supersport field will feature the talents of Glen Richards, Billy McConnell and Jason O’Halloran, to name a few.

I’m really excited for O’Halloran this year, because if he does good and series returnee Ryuichi Kiyonari doesn’t meet expectations for whatever reason (and it’s hard to predict!), he could be first in line for that factory Superbike seat.

The IDM contingent has been busy in Spain testing again at both Albacete and Valencia, including Superbike riders Damian Cudlin and Gareth Jones, as well as Supersport title threat Jed Metcher. Interestingly, Michael Schumacher was also back aboard a Honda earlier in the week.

Cudlin will do double duties this year in both IDM and EWC aboard a BMW, but the opening rounds clash, so he’ll be at the IDM round before campaigning both throughout the season.

And the frustrating thing? The IDM series schedule isn’t locked in concrete just yet, so he’s not certain how many clashes there will be exactly at this point.

Speaking of the Cudlins, Damo’s younger brother Alex has secured a dream EWC ride with the 11-time world champion Suzuki Endurance Racing Team following a successful couple days of testing at Albacete recently. No official announcements have been made, but it’s an awesome ride for the 2010 World Cup winner.

Alex Cudlin will join the SERT team in World Endurance for 2013.

As far as domestic news goes, there isn’t a heap happening right now, but International Entertainment Group today announced a neat contest regarding ‘The Ultimate Motorsport Experience’ at Symmons Plains in Tasmania next month.

The winner will receive a pillion ride on the Team Honda Racing Superbike with Jamie Stauffer, as well as a hot lap with the Pepsi Max Crew V8 Supercar team, plus flights, accommodation, transfers, event passes for two. Visit the ASBK Facebook Page to enter.

Some shocking news came earlier in the week regarding top privateer runner Chas Hern, fresh from an exceptional debut Superbike podium at Phillip Island last month:

Some time last night, the High Octane Motorcycles trailer was stolen from the workshop in Settlement Rd, Thomastown. It was attached to a valiant sedan, and the trailer was found abandoned near McDonalds Rd. The trailer was extensively damaged and all our spare parts, and tyres have been stolen. If anyone is offered Suzuki spare parts including brake pads, Ohlins springs and parts, or slick tyres, please contact Chas as soon as possible. For a team struggling already to get to each meeting, this is a major blow. Find Chas on Facebook for details.

Finally, the news is seemingly positive regarding Robbie Bugden’s entry into the Australian Superbike Championship with Team Volvo Group Suzuki in a satellite role. Nothing’s finalised yet, but after the final two rounds of NZ SBK it’s expected he will be on the grid in Tasmania next month.

That’s all for this week in a late edition of Cycle Central, but thanks for stopping by and remember, search CycleOnline on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.