The petite blonde from Northamptonshire has recently returned from Spain, where she had a successful first outing on her newly acquired Philip Youles Triumph Daytona 675.

The TT’s fastest woman was at the Spanish Mountain circuit, Guadix, for three days testing her Triumph for the first time. Not only was it her first outing on the 675 but also on Michelin tyres and the first time she’d ridden since the Manx Grand Prix back in September 2007.

“Guadix is the perfect circuit to blow away the cobwebs after a period off the bike. This circuit is very technical and offers every type of corner so it really keeps you on your toes. It was perfect for my introduction to my new 2008 race bike.” Added Costello.

The test was very productive and thanks to help from other racers who were attending the www.racedays.net event, including former MotoGP racer Jeremy

McWilliams, Maria was able to make progress with setting up the Triumphs suspension and generally getting to grips with the triples power delivery and handling.

“I’m loving the way the Triumph feels, both power wise and handling. The Michelin tyres felt good and so did the Promach rear sets I had specially made to fit my small feet. The GPR steering damper was also a great asset, the fact that you can adjust it while riding was so beneficial. I have to admit that I decided on this bike without ever having ridden one before, but I definitely made the right decision. I love it!” Smiled Costello.

Maria will be competing on this bike in the Triumph Triple Challenge, a prestigious one make series exclusively for Triumph Daytona 675’s.

The nature of the series is to encourage the rider’s skills to shine as all the bikes will have to adhere to strictly enforced rules and therefore will be evenly matched. This will mean incredibly close and exciting racing.

She will also be racing both her Triumph and her BERING Honda RVF400 at the North West 200, Manx Grand Prix and Scarborough road races, to name just a few.

The 2008 Triumph Triple Challenge Race Calendar:
1) 22-23 March – D

onington Park
2) 26-27 April – Cadwell Park
3) 10-11 May – Brands Hatch (GP Circuit)
4) 24-25 May – Silverstone
5) 28-29 June – Cadwell Park
6) 19-20 July – Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit)
7) 15-16 August – Oulton Park
8 ) 13-14 September – Snetterton
9) 27-28 September – Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit)
To find out more about the series go to: www.triumphtriplechallenge.co.uk

[Source]