You are here

SBK, BSB, Tom Ward in Bike Devil, Gino Rea with Buildbase Suzuki

Tom Ward will make his BSB debut at Snetterton with Bike Devil Racing, taking over from Gino Rea. The 2009 Stock 600 champion, on the other hand, will take the place of the convalescent Farmer in Buildbase Suzuki

SBK: BSB, Tom Ward in Bike Devil, Gino Rea with Buildbase Suzuki

Share


Just a few days before the second round of the BSB British Superbike season, scheduled for this weekend at Snetterton, the starting grid continues to change day by day. A few hours after the split between Gino Rea and Bike Devil Racing, the team headed by Dave Tyson has announced the signing of the young Tom Ward.

The Canterbury rider will thus have an opportunity to make his debut in the UK top class aboard the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, a bike that he already knows because of his past in the British SuperStock 1000, complete with podiums. For Tom Ward it’s a great chance to prove himself in the most spectacular and exciting domestic championship on the planet at the end of a few difficult months. For Bike Devil Racing, on the other hand, an excellent way to forget the complicated start of the season by focusing on a young man with excellent skills in view of 2021.

Ward said: “I am really excited for this opportunity as to be able to work with a full team and with Pete Jennings as a crew chief is a big opportunity for me. I haven’t ridden since March so I am under no illusions that it will be a big learning weekend especially as I have never tested a Superbike, but this is a great chance. I can’t wait to get started.”

Gino Rea in place of Keith Farmer with Buildbase Suzuki

Despite the bolt from the blue that saw him protagonist on Monday, Gino Rea has wasted no time in finding a new slot on the British Superbike grid. In fact, even if just for a single weekend, the 2009 European Stock 600 champion will take over from Keith Farmer in the ranks of Team Buildbase Suzuki.

The two-time British Stock 1000 champion, with the addition of the 2017 title in the British SS600, injured his shoulder following a bad fall during the qualifying session at Donington Park. In order to avoid unnecessary risks, Farmer and the team headed by Steve Hicken mutually agreed not to take to the track at Snetterton, so that he can get back into shape at the Silverstone 'National' circuit (4-5-6 September), valid as the third round of 2020.

It will therefore be up to the 30-year-old from Tooting to hold the flag high for Suzuki which, at Donington 'National', impressed with his teammate Kyle Ryde. This will not be an absolute debut for Gino Rea on the GSX-R 1000 with BSB specifications since, in 2018, he has already had an opportunity to race there with the OMG Racing Team. It looks like a good opportunity to surprise everyone, wherever possible, away from the spotlight.

“Obviously first and foremost I want to wish Keith well - said Gino Rea - It’s never nice to see a rider injured and especially to see him coming back from injury and be sidelined again so soon, so I wish him all the best. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with a professional and experienced team in this paddock. I’ve got past experience with the GSX-R so hopefully that base will mean we can get off to a good start this weekend.”

The protagonists of the BSB British Superbike will take to the track this weekend, on the fast Snetterton track, for the second round of this crazy 2020 season. It starts on Friday afternoon with the first free practice session.

 

Related articles