Pinsent believes the GB crew have what it takes for more rowing glory

The crew debuted at this week's Rowing World Cup in Eton and qualified for Saturday's final in the fastest time.

"They've got about 18 months to two years' grace learning the skills together - then they'll need to start winning world championships," he said.

"But this crew can win at the highest level and that means the Olympics."

Steve Williams is the sole survivor of last summer's victorious Athens quartet after Pinsent and Ed Coode retired and James Cracknell took a one-year break from rowing.

Williams is joined in the four by Peter Reed, Alex Partridge and Andrew Hodge.

The British four won their heat with ease to qualify for the final in five minutes and 58.38 seconds. Their competition is expected to come from the Netherlands and Denmark.

Williams said: "It was nice to start a new Olympic cycle with a win.

"Our coach talks about developing blind understanding, so we always know what each other is doing.

"We've only been rowing together for three weeks but if we stick together for Beijing that's three and a half years. With all the miles we do, that understanding will develop."

Debbie Flood, a member of Britain's quadruple sculls silver medal quartet in Athens, made a successful start to her single sculling career with a confident heats victory.

Athens silver medallist Katherine Grainger will race in Friday's final of the women's quadruple sculls with Rebecca Romero, Sarah Winckless and Frances Houghton.