BREAKING: BSB: Rea leaves OMG Racing Suzuki ahead of 2019 season

Former Moto2 star Gino Rea and OMG Racing UK Suzuki have parted company ahead of the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike season before the year has even begun. The Londoner enjoyed his BSB debut in 2018 with the all-new squad and whilst enduring a difficult campaign, picked up his performances towards the end of the year.

Topping the first Free Practice session at Assen and bagging multiple top ten results throughout the year had been the standout performances but before the team has even begun testing for the forthcoming season, the partnership is over.

A team statement read: ‘We are disappointed to be losing a talented rider but fully support Gino’s further aspirations in the paddock. Gino will always remain a part of the OMG Family and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We ask our supporters that the privacy of the team and of Gino is respected in this period.

“OMG Racing is focused on the preparations for first pre-season test in Cartagena next week as well as the upcoming 2019 BSB season; and we look forward to announcing racing seats within the team shortly.”

There is much speculation about who may be his replacement, with World Superbike stars Eugene Laverty and Xavi Fores still looking for work in 2019. Other riders within the British Superbike paddock looking to sign-up may be Dan Linfoot, Christian Iddon and a possible return for John Hopkins can’t be ruled out just yet.