Splitlath sign John Laverty and Florian Marino

The Splitlath Redmond Racing team confirmed their 2012 line up ahead of the forthcoming MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season as John Laverty returns from injury and is joined by former World Supersport contender Florian Marino.

John Dimbylow and former Olympic athlete Derek Redmond joined forces to become co-owners of the team and they unveiled their new line up at the MCN Motorcycle Show in London on Sunday as Laverty joined Marino on stage.

Laverty returns to racing this season after recovering from injuries sustained in a crash last season and is now eager to ride again after previously winning the British Superbike Cup and just missing out on the Showdown in 2010.

Laverty said: “It feels great to have the chance to be back in BSB this season, as I didn’t know if it would be possible but the team have given me the opportunity and here I am.

“It has been a long recovery but I am taking everything one step at a time. I need to be consistent and just build up again as I haven’t ridden since last year. There is no pressure on me and I am looking forward to working with such an experienced crew.

“I am just looking forward to being back in BSB and racing again. I need to thank everyone who has helped me to get to this point and the team for the faith they are showing in me.”

Marino joins the team after racing for the Ten Kate team in the World Supersport Championship last season and finished runner up in the European Superstock Championship the year before.

He will make his Superbike debut with the team and the 18-year-old is keen to make an impression.

Marino said: “I am looking forward to racing in BSB; it is a championship where you need to fight hard and that is what I like. I am going to learn the new circuits but I am excited.

“I am happy as there are very good riders in BSB who have also raced in the World Championship like Josh Brookes for example and there are may fast riders too. I am focused and looking forward to the new season.”

Laverty and Marino will be joining an experienced team as Tom Larson joins the team, the former HM Plant Honda and BMW World Superbike crew chief will be joined by Mark ‘Brains’ Woodage who has also worked on the world stage with the PTR Honda team.

Redmond said: “Since retiring from athletics motorcycle racing is the first thing that has given me the same adrenaline buzz.

“We are really looking forward to this season and building up consistently as this isn’t just a one year plan for the team, we are looking long term and we are excited about the future.”

Dimbylow concluded: “This is a busy time for the team and we are delighted to have signed John and Florian.

“We now have a very experienced crew working with us and John obviously has a lot of knowledge and we are looking forward to seeing him back on a race bike again. Florian is a young rider who we feel has a lot of potential so we are hoping for our strongest season to date in 2012.”