Redding to replace Bautista at Ducati
The former MotoGP rider turned British superbike campaigner will be back on the world stage in 2020Scott Redding will partner Chaz Davies in the 2020 Superbike World Championship on the factory Ducati Panigale V4 R, replacing Alvaro Bautista.
The 26-year-old British rider from Gloucestershire, who this year is taking part in the 2019 British Superbike Championship alongside Aussie star Josh Brookes, will be making his debut in the production-based world series.
Redding was second in the 2013 Moto2 world title before a five-year presence in MotoGP. He joined BSB in 2020, where so far this season he has taken six wins and five pole positions and is in second place in the overall standings behind Brookes.
“I’m so happy to join the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team, which is something that I’ve wanted for a long time, because to be able to work with a team that can fight for a world title is really a great opportunity for me,” said Redding.
“Obviously now I have to remain fully focussed on the British Superbike Championship, because I want to try and win that title with the Be Wiser Ducati before stepping back up to a world championship again.
“A big thanks to all those people who have helped to make this dream happen, and now I can’t wait to get on the factory Panigale V4 R bike in the World Superbike Championship.”
Redding’s signature means that Bautista’s WorldSBK collaboration with the Ducati will end on October 26 at the Losail circuit in Qatar.
With four rounds still to be held (Portugal, France, Argentina and Qatar), the 34-year-old Spanish rider currently lies second in the championship behind reigning champion Jonathan Rea. He has won 14 races so far this season.
Related:
WorldSBK: Davies and Rea dominate Laguna Seca
Bautista’s plans for 2020 are still unclear, but rumours have linked him with a beefed-up WorldSBK effort from Honda.
His future will be made clear in a matter of weeks, alongside a number of other WorldSBK hotshots such as Leon Haslam, Tom Sykes, Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark.
Irishman Eugene Laverty has already been announced as a replacement for Markus Reiterberger in BMW’s factory team.
The 2020 Superbike World Championship commences at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from February 28 until March 1.
For more information visit www.worldsbk.com.au. Tickets will go on sale via Ticketek in September 2019.
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