BSB: Who Will Replace Gino Rea at OMG Racing?

The shock announcement that Gino Rea will no longer be riding for OMG Racing Suzuki in 2019, rocked the British Superbike Championship.

Below is a look at the possible contenders who could be in line to replace him at the team.

Dan Linfoot

Despite having had a season dogged by injury and sheer bad luck, Linfoot is the bookies’ favourite to be signed up by OMG Racing.

Currently looking for a ride having recently announced his departure from Honda Racing, Linfoot had previously been linked to joining the team during the latter stages of the 2018 season.

He is highly experienced in the British championship, but would need little time to adapt to the bike and team were he to join.

Josh Elliott

Desperate to progress from the Superstock 1000 class and cut his teeth in the top flight. OMG Racing would be a very competitive option for the 24-year old, and also provide a less pressured environment for the would-be rookie.

One thing in Elliott’s favour over his rivals for the seat is that he already has experience with the team. Having made his British Superbike debut at Assen, he also contested the season finale at Brands Hatch.

He has championship winning pedigree, claiming the superstock crown back in 2015. Along with regular race wins and multiple podium finishes since then, Elliott is more than ready to make the step up full time and be competitive from the start.

Eugene Laverty

Without doubt one of the most experienced riders on the market. Despite being given the marching orders from the SMR team at the conclusion of this year’s superbike world championship, Laverty firmly believes he should be racing at highest level.

However, it may be likely that the Irishman would not want to commit to anything more than one season with OMG Racing, as he looks to return to the world championship. Whilst not necessarily a negotiation-ending problem, may not be optimal for team hoping to build a future.

Xavi Fores

Having been discarded by the Barni Racing Ducati team, the Spaniard has also been left without a ride in World Superbikes for 2019. He’s very open to the possibility of joining the BSB.

Saying this, he would need time to learn the circuits as – aside from Donington Park – he’d be unfamiliar with the others on the calendar.

However, in Fores’ favour is his appetite for success. He is certainly not doing it just for a paycheque. With the OMG Racing Suzuki becoming ever more competitive round-by-round, and with another full winter testing programme, the team and rider would make for a very formidable combination.

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Shane Byrne

The greatest rider of all time in the history of the British championship, and if able to race, would probably be top of any team’s shopping list. It is however a big ‘if’.

The six time champion suffered severe neck injuries during the in-season test at Snetterton in June and has been unable to race and test a superbike since. The recovery is, in Byrne’s own words, ‘taking a lot longer than anticipated’. The uncertainty over his future led to his release from the contract with Paul Bird’s BeWiser Ducati outfit.

Nevertheless, he is determined to do everything in his power to recover and come back to the championship. Should he be able to do so, don’t be surprised to see a host of teams come calling for his signature.   

Do you think these riders would be the right choice for OMG, lets us know your thoughts in the comments.