BSB: Can Oncu to make British Supersport debut with Gearlink Kawasaki

World Supersport race winner Can Oncu will make his Quattro Group British Supersport Championship debut with Gearlink Kawasaki this weekend at Donington Park.

The Turkish racer, twin brother of current Moto2 rider Deniz Oncu, steps in for the injured Cameron Dawson, who remains on the sidelines after injuring his wrist in the opening round of the season at Navarra.

“I am very happy to be riding for Gearlink Kawasaki at Donington Park,” Oncu said. “This is a new experience for me and I am very much looking forward to it. I am hoping we can pull a good result this weekend, and have a good time.

“I think it will be a lot of fun and a great opportunity for myself and the team. I wish their injured rider a speedy recovery and look forward to meeting everyone at the British Championship this weekend.”

Oncu was crowned Red Bull Rookies Champion in 2018 and sensationally won on his Moto3 debut that same year at Valenica. In doing so, Oncu became the first rider to win on his debut since Noboru Ueda in 1991, whilst he also became the youngest-ever GP race winner aged 15 years, 115 days.

Despite that unbelievable start, Oncu struggled in his one and only full Moto3 campaign the following year, and switched to the World Supersport championship the following year. Oncu finished third overall in 2022, before taking his first victory at Mandalika the following season.

Overall, Oncu has 14 podiums to his name in World Supersport, as well as four fastest laps. Both Can and Deniz are managed by five-time World Supersport Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, who also manages Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Gearlink Kawasaki Team Manager, Ben Wilson added: “I’m very happy to have Can on our bike for Donington Park and it will be great to see him on the Gearlink Kawasaki. Can is a world-class rider, and I am sure he will put our bike at the front.

“Can coming to race in the British Championship for this one-off round is an exciting prospect. It’s great for both the series and for the fans alike! We wish Cameron a speedy recovery ahead of Knockhill.”