Brit rider becomes Schumacher’s team mate

Michael Schmacher will get a new team mate in the German Superbike series…a 28-year-old from Newcastle.

Chris Burns, who competed in the 2008 British Superbike Cup, was scouting around the BSB paddock looking for a ride when he received a call from Schumacher’s Holzhauer Honda Racing team.  

He will now ride a Fireblade for at least four rounds of the German championship alongside seven times F1 champion Schumacher, while his usual teammate and reigning series champion Martin Bauer recovers from a broken hand.

“This team won the championship last year with Bauer and the bike I will be riding usually has the number one plate so I’ve got to make the grade when I get out there,” said Burns. “They said they want me for four rounds, but this will obviously be reviewed, depending on how well it all goes over the weekend.”

Burns will make his debut for the team at the Nurburgring this weekend.

“Nurburgring is a completely new circuit to me, and this will be my first time on a Honda, so I’ve got my work cut out. I’m not concerned about having a team-mate as high profile as Michael Schumacher, although I imagine it will be strange effectively being his team leader!”

Unfortunately Burns could be the team’s only rider this weekend. Schumacher, who is still recovering from a pre-season crash, may pull out of the event to regain full fitness for the next round.

Burns is now trying to secure personal sponsorship to help pay his travel expenses to and from Germany over the next couple of months. Anyone who is able to help is urged to contact him via email: Burns45@live.co.uk  or phone: 07973 904758.