BSB: Hector Barbera returns with TAG Honda Racing

Hector Barbera will return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship this season after signing for TAG Honda Racing.

The Spaniard last raced in the British Championship in 2020 with OMG Racing, having deputised the year prior with the Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki team. Barbera finished sixth on his maiden outing with Kawasaki – standing in for the injured Ben Currie.

In 2020, Barbera scored a best result of 10^th on three occasions onboard the OMG Racing BMW M1000 RR, whilst also securing the fastest lap in race three at Silverstone.

Barbera has spent the last two years in MotoAmerica with BMW. The 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix race winner finished seventh overall in 2021, with a best result of fifth. Barbera improved to fifth overall last season and secured a podium at Road America (third).

“I am very motivated to get going this season with TAG Racing,” Barbera said. “Returning to the British Superbike series is very exciting and is a move I am most looking forward to.

“Working with the team to find a way forward together has been a positive journey and I am so pleased that we have been able to reach this agreement. I would really like to thank Gary and Rob for the opportunity and to the BSB series for being so welcoming.”

Barbera started 139 MotoGP races between 2010 and 2017, winning the Open Class in 2015. He also raced for Ducati, finishing 10^th overall in 2016 with Avintia Racing. That year, Barbera recorded his best-ever premier class result with fourth at Sepang.

“Hector brings considerable experience, both domestically and internationally and we are delighted to have him on board, Team Manager Gary Winfield said. “As a team, we have learned a lot over the last couple of seasons about the capabilities of the bike, and how it demands a skilled rider to take it and make it their own. We have every confidence in Hector and his desire to win.

“Our ambitions are to be back up the sharp end of the championship and Hector reflects the same appetite; so together we have a passion to succeed and with the continued support from Honda Racing UK we feel we have the right package to do just that.”

The first official BSB pre-season test takes place at Navarra, Spain, on March 11-13. This is followed by two days at Donington Park (March 25-26) and two days at Silverstone (March 28-29).

The 2023 season gets underway at Silverstone on April 7-9.