Red Bull rookie switches to Boxer Cup

Barry Burrell, one of the five riders chosen to go on to the next stage of the Red Bull Rookie search, has already reaped the benefits of the program by being picked to ride for the BMW Motorrad GB team in the BMW Boxer Cup 2003 season.

16-year-old Burrell was picked to be among the last four finalists after the final selection round held at Rockingham Motor Speedway in December. The program is designed to find the next Red Bull team members to compete in the British 125cc Championships.

He soon changed his mind though when he was asked to ride for the Pidcock BMW supported BMW Motorrad GB team. The new team place will give Barry the chance to compete at races all over the world at meetings that support the MotoGP, BSB, and Daytona 200 races. He wished the remaining four Red Bull riders the best of luck but admitted that the chance to travel and race all over the world was to big an opportunity to miss.

Burrell will be riding alongside former Junior Superstock rider Matt Layt, also new to the team this year, and 19-year-old Richard Cooper, who has re-signed to the team after being the most consistent rider of the 2002 season. Cooper managed to score points in every round and even managed to beat of more experienced riders like Stephane Martens and Brian Morrison to win the Spa event.

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