BSB: Claudio Corti to race Team WD40 superbike in 2019

Former MotoGP rider Claudio Corti will make his Bennetts British Superbike debut next year with Team WD40.

The 31-year-old made his debut on British tracks with Brent Gladwin’s effort in the Superstock 1000 class mid-way through this year and was knocking on the door of the podium by the end of the season.

Following that success and having learned the tracks, he’ll step up into the superbike class with the Sheffield-based squad, who have confirmed they’ll extend their partnership with WD40 into an eighth year.

This is very exciting for me; I have raced in a lot of different championships around the world and there is something special about BSB,” Corti said. “I have enjoyed the races this year with the team and I would like to thank Brent, Geoff, the team and everyone at WD-40 for the opportunity to race in BSB.

“It is so close in BSB; the competition is very high and I have seen that this year, but this is what I like and I am looking forward to race the new GR Motorsport Team WD-40 Kawasaki ZX10rr. It is going to be hard for sure, but I am in love with the challenge and I hope to make more people here in Italy love BSB too.”

Team owner Brent Gladwin added: “We are absolutely delighted that we can announce our 2019 plans before the Christmas break. We developed a fantastic working relationship with Claudio this season as part of The STAUFF Quick Connect Academy. We quickly built a great relationship as ‘Shorts’ became part of the team, he really impressed us with his overall attitude, skill and desire to race. We now look forward to working together in the Superbike class and taking the next steps forward.

“I am also extremely happy and proud to announce our continued association with the WD-40 Company; it is one of the longest partnerships in the British Championship paddock and that is a testament to our work together on and off the track. WD-40’s continued collaboration with the Team and sport to promote their product not only in the UK, but to a global market proves the value we deliver. Together we are looking forward to delivering our best season in the championship in 2019.”