BSB: Easton joins Lloyds British MotoRapido Ducati for Cadwell

Stuart Easton and the Lloyds British MotoRapido Ducati team will join forces for next week’s Cadwell Park round of the MCE British Superbike championship after a flurry of mid-season rider changes.

Easton split with the ePayMe Yamaha team ahead of the last round at Brands Hatch after a difficult first half of the season. Initially penned in to join Michael Rutter in the National Superstock 1000 championship, Easton’s plans for the rest of the year soon changed when the MotoRapido team and Danny Buchan opted to go their separate ways last week.

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Reuniting with the manufacturer with whom he won his first British Supersport title, Easton will test with the Ducati team at Cadwell Park this week before the eighth round of the championship kicks off next Saturday.

“I haven’t been this excited for a long time and I have to thank the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati team as I really wanted to be back in Superbike before the end of the season,” said Easton. “It all happened pretty quickly and I was due to be riding in Superstock, but SMT have supported me in my return to BSB and I have to thank them too for that.

“The last time I raced a Ducati was in 2004 when I raced the 999 at Macau, which is a completely different scenario and I know a lot has changed with it since then. Ducati always build a lovely motorcycle and it really does look like a fancy bit of kit so I am looking forward to getting some miles under my belt ready for the race.

“I know it won’t be easy as Cadwell Park is tough at the best of times as it is such a demanding circuit, but there is certainly a lot to look forward to and I can’t wait to get the second half of my season started.”

Team owner Steve Moore added: “Following Danny’s departure from the team we were determined to continue for the rest of the season, so after speaking with Lloyds British and with Stuart this was the best scenario. 

“Mid-season isn’t ideal for a rider change but with a two day test already booked for Cadwell Park prior to the next round it’s an ideal opportunity to get some laps in and get Stuart settled into the team and get a feel for the Ducati. 

“The whole team and our sponsors are very pleased to have him join us for the remainder of 2016 and now our season has changed the pressure is off and we can concentrate on racing.”

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