Lavilla to race at Brands

Former World Superbike and MotoGP star Gregorio Lavilla will ride for the Airwaves Ducati squad at the opening round of the British Superbike championship.

The Spaniard replaces regular rider James Haydon, who will sit out the weekend with damage to his left hand sustained during testing in Albacete.

“Obviously I’m very disapointed that James will not be competing this weekend. He’s working hard to recover his fitness in time for the next round at Thruxton. This decision is about him missing the first round in order to compete in the remaining twelve,” said team manager Colin Wright.

“I could not have asked for a better replacement than Gregorio. Leon’s lap times have been excellent; we are on the pace and looking forward to the Championship.”

For more on the opening round of the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, including a full timetable for the weekend, follow the links on the right.