BREAKING: BSB: Redding to PBM Ducati in 2019

MotoGP star Scott Redding has been confirmed as to joining the Paul Bird Motorsport UK Ducati team, following much speculation about his career having been dumped by Aprilia at the end of this year. The Gloucestershire rider will move over to the domestic scene and find himself racing at new circuits such as Knockhill and Cadwell Park – circuits that aren’t too similar to anything on the MotoGP scene!

The big signing is arguably the 2nd big signing in as many seasons, with Gino Rea’s much anticipated arrival on the OMG Racing UK Suzuki for 2018. However, whereas Rea and OMG Racing have enjoyed a learning year in both of their’s first year in BSB, Redding comes into the championship looking to be an immediate championship contender.

“It’s fantastic to be coming to BSB, it’s a championship I’ve never raced in and learning the circuits is very much part of the challenge which I’m looking forward to. This is very exciting for me with a very competitive bike and the most successful team and I’m here to show what I can do,” said Redding, now setting his sights on the domestic title.

Redding’s GP career has been far from unsuccessful, with a serious championship challenge in Moto2 in 2013, followed by two premier class podiums (the same as Bradley Smith). Redding is still the youngest rider ever to win a Grand Prix, when he was 15 at Donington Park in 2008 in the 125cc class – Marc Marquez joined him on the podium that day, the first time the young Spaniard had ever got there too.

“We will make the right preparations and I’m delighted the first round will be at Silverstone where I have great memories. MotoGP is tough and without the correct packages, it’s hard to win but BSB is at such a high level, I want to prove I’m capable of winning. It’s also a new experience and very important that I can race in front of my loyal fans in the UK more regularly.”

Paul Bird is also the most successful team owner in the British Superbike championship, clinching his first title back in 2002 with Steve Hislop, only for it to be backed up a year later with Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne. Byrne then won Bird’s remaining titles in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017, although it is not believed that Shakey will be alongside Redding next season. The PBM team will switch to the V4 Ducati, the much anticipated new version of the Panigale.

PBM UK BeWiser Ducati have not yet announced their second rider, although many believe that it will be Josh Brookes. Tom Sykes looks like he will stay somewhere in the WSBK paddock, whilst Motorsport Radio’s sources suggest that Jason O’Halloran will be replacing Josh Brookes, should the 2015 champ move out of the McAMS Yamaha team.