Walker signs for Foggy

Chris Walker has signed for the Foggy Petronas World Superbike team for 2004.

The 31-year-old Brit has signed a one-year deal to ride the FP1 alongside current rider Troy Corser, with an option for a second year.

Walker, who was a British Superbike runner-up for four consecutive seasons, turned down a top BSB ride to stay in the world series and replace fellow Brit James Haydon in the squad. Walker finished sixth in 2003 riding for the HM Plant Ducati team, after a debut season in WSB in 2002 with Kawasaki.

Walker said: ” It is going to be a challenge, but it will be an inspiration to be working with people like Carl and Troy – there are world champions everywhere in this team!

” It meant a lot to me to know how much Carl wanted me to join. Carl and chief engineer Steve Thompson have told me all about the potential of this bike and there is no doubt it has the capability to improve more than any other bike on the grid next year. ”

Walker will be testing the FP1 at Valencia on Wednesday and Thursday for his new boss.

” Everyone knows Chris always gives 110 per cent, which is all I can ever ask for, ” said Fogarty. ” I’m hoping he’ll help Troy by providing more competition within the team. His style is more suited to a four-cylinder bike and our triple behaves more like a four than a twin. I have always said that I want a British rider in my team, and Chris is by far the most popular rider in Britain today.”

Find out more about two of the biggest names in British biking joining together in MCN, November 12.Plus: We get Foggy’s reaction to Neil Hodgson’s claim that Fogarty was scared to go to GPs and race Mick Doohan, and reveal the changes they will make to the FP1 during winter testing. All the details are in MCN, November 12. Discuss this story on the WSB message board by following the link on the right.