ASTWOOD Bank ace Andy Burbidge has admitted a taste of competition on his new 1000cc bike has forced him to reassess his ambitious MRO title hopes.

The reigning EMRA champ is stepping up from 400cc machines and has his first competitive outing in the new series at Snetterton at the weekend.

With Burbidge used to ten lap events, the change to 18 laps is proving arduous and the youngster is being given intensive fitness training from sponsors Abbey Park gym.