GBmoto get full-factory support for BSB and roads

MCE British Superbike front-runners GBmoto will have full factory support for the next three seasons, after penning a deal with Kawasaki to become an official Team Green squad.

With the launch of a new ZX-10R for the coming season, the team will work closely with the Spanish-based Kawasaki World Superbike team of Tom Sykes and reigning champion Jonathan Rea, testing together in Spain later this year.

The deal also extends to the roads, with the squad planning a return to the Isle of Man TT as the highlight of their campaign.

Still to confirm a second rider for BSB alongside James Ellison as well as their roads rider, fastest ever TT newcomer and former GBmoto rider Peter Hickman is rumoured to be among the front-runners. An announcement is believed to be planned for next month’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC.

Speaking after signing the deal Ross Burridge, Senior Racing and Marketing Co-ordinator at KMUK said, “I’m really excited to be continuing with GBmoto team for the next three years. The entire team works at an incredibly professional level and their desire to succeed is second to none. It’s been a very successful two years on-track, whilst the team has also done their upmost to support us off-track as part of our wider marketing aspects.

“For 2016, GBmoto are now our sole official Superbike team for the first time which means they will not just enjoy much closer links to the factory, but also the World Superbike team. It’s a new phase for Kawasaki with our latest ZX-10R and I personally can’t think of a better group of people to be working with!”

 GBmoto Racing Team Principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen added, “This is an incredibly proud moment for GBmoto as we take yet another step forward. From the very beginning, our partnership with Kawasaki has yielded success and I’m excited to be strengthening this relationship with closer links to the factory and the Kawasaki Racing Team for next three years.

 “The JG Speedfit Kawasaki team had an incredible year in BSB and if it wasn’t for some bad luck I think we could have been celebrating many more wins. However, the new ZX-10R is a weapon in waiting; and I’m confident that with the extensive testing programme we have in place for the winter months, we’ll hit the ground running in 2016 as we look to not just secure our maiden British Superbike title but also our first major Road Race victory!”