Welsh schoolboy Chaz Davies is itching to for the 250cc world championship season to start after getting his first taste of his new bike.

Davies, who rode an Aprilia in last season's 125cc world championship, will make his debut this year after joining Aprilia Germany in December.

The 15-year-old tested the bike for the first time at Jerez in Spain over the weekend and is confident the step up the grand prix ladder will go smoothly.

He said: "The extra speed and power was no problem although I had to be careful in the lower gears.

"I realise it's a lot more physical than the 125cc class and I'll have to toughen up a few muscles in the school gym before the next test in February.

"The team were really pleased and after all our problems last year it was fantastic to work with such dedicated people and I can't wait until that first grand prix in April at Suzuka."

Davies will return to Jerez in February for more tests followed by Estoril in Portugal and Mugello in Italy.

The 2003 campaign will start at the season-opening Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on 6 April.