The to-be former MotoGP rider Scott Redding has confirmed his move to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship for the 2019 season.
The 25-year-old rejoins Paul Bird Motorsport – with whom he raced in his earlier days before moving to the MotoGP world championship – to ride a brand-new Be Wiser Ducati V4 with full support from Ducati Corse.
“It’s fantastic to be coming to BSB, it’s a championship I’ve never raced in and learning the circuits is very much part of the challenge which I’m looking forward to,” said Redding as he gears up for the Thai GP this weekend.
“This is very exciting for me with a very competitive bike and the most successful team and I’m here to show what I can do. We will make the right preparations and I’m delighted the first round will be at Silverstone where I have great memories.
“MotoGP is tough and without the correct packages, it’s hard to win but BSB is at such a high level, I want to prove I’m capable of winning. It’s also a new experience and very important that I can race in front of my loyal fans in the UK more regularly.”
Team owner, Paul Bird said: “Scott and I go back a long way and I’m delighted to continue our relationship in this latest chapter of his career. He’s a quality rider, as is anyone who can win at Grand Prix and we are confident he will be a title fighter in BSB aboard the Be Wiser Ducati next season.
“A lot of people have worked hard to put this deal together so thanks to them and thanks also to our outgoing riders Shakey and Glenn. They have done a great job for us over the years, but it was time to call it a day with them and I wish them well in future.”
The British rider started his world championship career with Aprilia in 2008 in the 125cc category where he raced in 2009 as well after which he moved to Moto2 in 2010 and raced until the 2013 season.
He was fighting for the Moto2 title in 2013 but finished second to the current KTM rider Pol Espargaro. He still graduated to the premier class in 2014 in a satellite Honda and raced for two seasons after which he moved to ride a satellite Ducati in 2016.
Redding scored regular points but was unable to break into the top half with only two podiums in the four years with Honda and Ducati. He then got the opportunity to race the factory Aprilia this year.
However, the results still didn’t come by as the Italian manufacturer is also making its way into the premier class. As the season progressed, it was clear that Redding wouldn’t be retained with Andrea Iannone announced as his replacement.
The Italian will partner Aleix Espargaro, who stays on with the team. With Redding leaving and Bradley Smith taking a test role with Aprilia, it only leaves LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow as the lone British rider on the grid for 2019.