Backlund to replace Hutchy at FFX Yamaha

Swede Filip Backlund will replace Ian Hutchinson at FFX Yamaha for the remainder of the MCE British Superbike Championship. He will make the jump from the highly competitive National Superstock 1000 series, where he currently sits fourth.

TT hero Hutchinson parted ways with the squad half way through his first full season in the superbike class, after his comeback year after horrific leg injuries have failed to bring the results the team were expecting.

Backlund, who will make his debut for the team at Donington Park this weekend, joins the team’s National Superstock 600 rider Andy Reid, who is currently battling to win the title in his respective class.

Backlund said: “I’m very pleased and happy about this opportunity that FFX Yamaha has given me. The last four rounds from Donington Park will be a completely new challenge for me. I have a good base to start with as I will also be working with my SMT crew, which is a big bonus as it will give me continuity and confidence from the start. We all know that I’m jumping on a new bike in a new class which is a challenge, but I want to be able to prove myself and show that I belong in the BSB class now. I want to thank FFX Yamaha, SMT Racing, Mats Nilsson, all my partners and other people who are supporting me during this journey.”

Clive Richards, Head of Marketing and Advertising at FFX, commented: “As title sponsors, FFX are very pleased to welcome Filip Backlund to the team.  Filip has been riding very well in the Superstock 1000 series and has delivered some impressive rides in that Championship. We are confident that his talents will translate to points in the British Superbike series as we look forward to the final rounds of our debut season.”