Jonathan Palmer talks BSB 2009

If you pick up a copy of this week’s Motorcycle News you’ll get a first-hand look at who is lining up where in British Superbikes for 2009.

We’ve compiled the top teams in both BSB and British Supersport and showed you who will be riding for who next season, and who is still being linked with vacant rides in the paddock.

With so much change in the British Superbike paddock it’s easy to get excited.

New bikes, new riders and new race series’ will make up 2009.

And one man who is hugely positive about the future of BSB is the championship’s commercial rights holder and organiser Jonathan Palmer.

“I’ve really enjoyed heading MSV’s first year of being both commercial rights holder and organiser of BSB and my confidence in the potential of BSB is greater than ever,” says Palmer.

“I’ve learnt a lot about bike racing in 2008 and I think MSV’s resources coupled with Stuart Higgs’ outstanding knowledge and enthusiasm for BSB has already been a big boost to the series.

“Like the fans, I’m very excited about 2009 and can’t wait for Easter Monday at Brands Hatch when we can really see how it all pans out! 

“Most importantly I’m quite sure we’re going to have a much closer championship next year and with GSE Racing now boosting Yamaha’s prospects I think the four cylinder bikes are going to have a great scrap, with Ducati perhaps not having the advantage they enjoyed in 2008. 

“I’m delighted all the big five manufacturers are providing factory supported teams once again with even more commitment and determination to be competitive.

“The international prestige of BSB has grown considerably in 2008. 

“The fact that some of our top riders have been chosen to move to WSB shows just how highly BSB is valued for top quality competition, a fact that has also attracted an exciting influx of new international stars to join BSB next year. 

“New BSB heroes will surely evolve, but who will they be?  I’m delighted that at HM Plant Honda reigning British Supersport Champion Glen Richards has finally got a super competitive BSB ride, though Josh Brookes from World Supersport will be out to win too, in an Aussie double. 

“France makes an entry with Sylvain Guintoli joining the Crescent Suzuki team from MotoGP and at GSE Racing Yamaha top talent has been recruited with James Ellison joining Leon Camier. 

“I’m so thrilled too that we have Chris Walker back with Rob McElnea’s team – a combination that will be quite rightly hugely popular with the fans.

Whilst we’re going to have a vintage year of BSB we’ve not stopped there, knowing that it’s a brilliant day out of all round bike action that draws the spectators. 

“And now the full support package includes the widest mix of manufacturers we have seen in recent seasons, including the new Harley-Davidson series which is going to look and sound fabulous!”