Coghlan gets Turkish GP ride

Scottish teenager Kev Coghlan will make a shock world championship comeback in this weekend’s Turkish 125 GP in Istanbul.

Coghlan, who has a 100 per cent podium record in the 2007 British 125 championship, will replace injured Frenchman and 2005 Istanbul winner Mike Di Meglio on a Honda. Di Meglio was injured at round two of the series in Jerez, Spain.

The Turkey chance completes a dramatic turnaround for Coghlan, who thought he was going to be racing full-time in this years’ world 250 championship for the British-based Winona WCM squad. Sponsorship problems though forced Winona bosses to suspend its racing plans though they will return to action later in the season at the British GP on June 24.

Coghlan decided to return to the British 125 series after the Winona setback and he said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be given a grand prix chance especially after it appeared that my grand prix dream had ended. It’s a frantic time.

“I finished third in the 125cc British Championship race at Thruxton on Sunday and had my medical there. On Monday I was in Rugby to sort out my international licence and I fly out to Turkey on Wednesday morning. I can’t wait.”