MCN online exclusive: Andrews and Da Costa join MSS Colchester Kawasaki

MSS Colchester Kawasaki has signed the pairing of Simon Andrews and Julien Da Costa for 2009 motorcyclenews.com can exclusively reveal.

Both Andrews and Da Costa made the journey to new MSS sponsor Colchester Kawasaki to pen their 2009 futures with the official Kawasaki team in BSB.

Andrews, who finished eighth overall in the championship last season, was a consistent top ten finisher – in fact he racked up 18 consecutive top ten finishes last season.

And after receiving interest from the major players in the British Superbike paddock, Andrews committed his 2009 riding to Nick Morgan’s Kawasaki squad.

The 24 year old told MCN: “I’ve said all the way through the year that I wanted a factory deal for 2009, so to join the official Kawasaki team is exactly what I was pinning my hopes on.

“The team always turns out well – the hospitality always looks good, the bikes look mint and the crew all look smart. It’s a professional team to be a part of.”

Julien Da Costa is a name that should be remembered by BSB fans.

He had a brief spell with MSS in 2004 and comes to British Superbikes as the reigning World Endurance Champion.

At 27, the Frenchman has been a target of Morgan’s for much of 2008.

And Da Costa said he couldn’t be happier with the deal.

““For the last two years I’ve been asking Nick if I can come back,” Da Costa said.
“It’s fantastic for me to come back to work with Nick and the guys and be able to move forward.

“I have a great relationship with Kawasaki – I’ve been with them for three years and won two French titles with them. This is now my first professional job so I’m very excited.”

And not only is it a new look for Morgan’s team with a new sponsor onboard and two new riders, he has also got a potential three-year deal with Kawasaki UK as the official team in British Superbikes.

Morgan added: “It’s great to have the stability of more than just a one year deal behind you – now myself and Ian Stewart, the Director of Colchester Kawasaki, can concentrate on the future and lay down some plans for the next two years.

“There is then a third year extension on the deal, but that will be performance related.”

KMUK’s Communications and PR Manager Martin Lambert also ended rumours of a new team coming into BSB that will carry the official Kawasaki UK flag.

To read the full details on the new deal, the new riders and the future for MSS Colcester Kawasaki, pick up a copy of next week’s MCN out on December 10.