Haydon signs for Rizla

Rizla Suzuki has signed James Haydon as a replacement rider for Scott Smart in the British Superbike championship.

The team split with Smart after a disappointing start to the season and Haydon was the obvious choice to replace him, having filled in for John Reynolds when he was off injured earlier in the season.

Haydon will test the GSX-R1000 for the team at Donington on the 14th and 16th of June.

Haydon said: “This is a great opportunity for my long term career and I don’t intend to let anything get in my way. JR and I have been teammates before and we bring the best out in each other on track and I am looking forward to us motivating each other to go faster and win races. This is my dream team and I am the happiest man in Superbikes! Roll on the test at Donington!”

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Robert Wicks added: “It was a pleasure working with James earlier in the season and we are delighted to have him on board. His talent is beyond question and he has already shown what he can do with very little practice on the Rizla Suzuki. With the next test under his belt he will be able to go to the seventh round of the Championship at Knockhill – where he won a race and took a second place in 2004 – ready to challenge at the front for race wins.”