Five Brits join Red Bull MotoGP talent search

Five British riders, including the son of former 500GP racer and triple MCN British Superbike champion Niall Mackenzie, will contest this year’s Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

Taylor Mackenzie will be joined by Deane Brown, Harry Stafford, Danny Kent and Fraser Rogers as 27 of the hottest young talents in the world aim to put themselves in the MotoGP shop window for the future.

A total of 14 nations will be represented in 2009, which is the third season of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, aimed at nurturing future stars for the world championship.

One to look out for is Hayden Gillim, who is the cousin of 2006 MotoGP world champion and factory Ducati rider Nicky Hayden.

Gillim will race in 2009 carrying the famous number 69 as worn by Nicky throughout his career.

The Brits will next be in action later this month at a two-day test session at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, followed quickly by another two-day session at the Jerez circuit in Spain on March 30/31.

The first race will be held back in Jerez on May 2/3, with rounds to follow in Mugello, Assen, Sachsenring, Donington Park and Brno.