BSB Thruxton: Tito Rabat set for debut with TAG Racing Honda

Former MotoGP rider and 2014 Moto2 World Champion Tito Rabat will make his Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut with TAG Racing Honda at Thruxton this weekend.

Rabat replaces Luke Mossey for Thruxton, following the announcement that Mossey and TAG Racing have gone their separate ways following a tough first half of the 2022 season.

The Spaniard has a wealth of experience having competed in 125s, Moto2 and MotoGP, as well as, briefly, the World Superbike Championship onboard Ducati and Kawasaki machinery. Thruxton was also the venue of fellow Spaniard, and 2005 BSB champion, Gregorio Lavilla’s debut in 2004.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity that the team has given me to ride in the BSB race at Thruxton with TAG Honda,” Rabat said. “BSB is the best national championship in the world at the moment and to be able to take part in it in front of all the British fans who fill the circuits is an honour for me. 

“I will try to do my best to make sure they enjoy the races this weekend, and although the level of the championship is very high, I will try to get a good result for Honda and the team. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Thruxton!”

Rabat dominated the 2014 Moto2 season, securing seven victories and a total of 14 podiums on his way to the title. The 33-year-old ended the year 57 points clear of Mika Kalio, claiming the crown in a field which also included Maverick Vinales, Johann Zarco and Franco Morbidelli.

Despite failing to defend his crown the following year, Rabat was promoted into the MotoGP class in 2016 with the EG 0,0 Marc VDS squad onboard a Honda. A regular points scorer, Rabat switched to Reale Avintia Racing Ducati in 2018 and was enjoying a positive start to the season up until a serious accident at Silverstone.

In wet conditions, Rabat crashed at Stowe and was then hit by Morbidelli’s bike in the gravel. As a result, Rabat suffered a triple fracture (femur, fibula, and tibia) to his right leg. Rabat missed the remainder of the season but returned with the team in 2019, recording a best result of ninth in Barcelona.

Rabat left MotoGP for WorldSBK at the end of 2020, joining the Barni Racing Ducati squad. However, he left the team by mutual consent before the end of the season and joined Puccetti Kawasaki for the final three rounds of the year. Rabat recorded a best WorldSBK result of ninth at Estoril.

 “It is an honour to announce that Tito will be joining the TAG Honda team this weekend at Thruxton,” Team Manafer, Gary Winfield said. “As many will already know, Tito has enormous talent and is a dedicated and committed rider who only seeks podium finishes! 

“The opportunity to welcome Tito to the series is a fantastic opportunity for both rider and team. Together we have aspirations for a successful debut, and we look forward to working with Tito at Thruxton!”