Danny Webb makes World Supersport switch

Danny Webb will move to the World Supersport series for the remainder of 2013 having signed to join the PTR Honda squad.

The 22-year-old was dropped by his Italian Moto3 squad on the eve of this weekend’s Indianapolis round, but was not looking for a ride for long after it was confirmed he will join Simon Buckmaster’s PTR Honda outfit as replacement for South African Sheridan Morais.

Webb will make his World Supersport debut in the forthcoming Nurburgring round in Germany and he said: “I am disappointed with the way things have gone in Moto3 but there are reasons for it and now I want to focus all my efforts and energies on a new challenge in the World Supersport championship.

“I have never ridden a Supersport machine before so it will be a steep learning curve. I haven’t ridden at the Nurburgring before either, but I can learn fast. I am super motivated, more than ever, to show what I can do.

“PTR is a title challenging race team and I want to show what I can do on what is clearly a very competitive bike. Having an English team around me will help as well, I am absolutely sure. I am excited and can’t wait to get racing.”

PTR team boss Buckmaster said he is looking forward to seeing Webb’s potential in World Supersport and he added: “We look forward to seeing what Danny can do with us but do not underestimate his challenge. Danny is joining a new team in a new Championship on a bike with different tyres and power characteristics than he is used to.

“He will start at a new track he has never raced before. Our expectations for Nurburgring are to get good settings and to know Danny better. After that we will see what results his talent and ability can achieve.”

Webb hasn’t raced since he broke his right arm in a crash during the Dutch TT in Assen at the end of June, which was his 100th Grand Prix appearance.