Reigning Australian Superbike Champion Wayne Maxwell is relishing the new challenge of long distance competition after completing his first test with Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) in France last week.

Maxwell will partner countryman Rick Olson and experienced Slovenian Igor Jerman aboard the YZF-R1 during the 2014 Endurance World Championship, quickly settling into the role on debut at Magny-Cours aboard the Pirelli-equipped Yamaha.

“I went into the test with an open mind to learn the circuit, learn the Yamaha R1 and the get to know the team,” Maxwell explained. “I missed the five day test at Almeria in March, so I had to play a bit of catch up to the other two guys.

“Adapting to the Yamaha wasn’t hugely difficult and it felt reasonably good straight away in World Endurance spec with a 24-litre fuel tank and the additional parts. All we did was improve and the gap closed down, so it was a positive start.

“Having some endurance experience – three Suzuka 8 Hours and a Six Hour here – will hopefully all add up. I’ll have to do a minimum of eight stints in the 24 Hours, so the plan is to be consistent, minimise mistakes and come away with a strong finish.”

The test marked Maxwell’s first laps on the R1 after missing the first test due to injuries sustained at Phillip Island’s World Superbike support races in February.

Maxwell will contest his initial race weekend with the team later this month at the Bol d’Or 24 Hour on 26-27 April.