BSB: TAS Racing switch to Ducati with Rory Skinner and sign Edoardo Colombi in Supersport

TAS Racing will switch to Ducati machinery with Rory Skinner next year in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship following the team’s split from BMW.

The team has also confirmed that title sponsor Cheshire Mouldings will remain, as both TAS and Skinner aim for a return to the front of BSB on a regular basis onboard the V4 R.

Skinner had a difficult season onboard the BMW this year due to injury, namely a broken tibia and fibula sustained at Snetterton. The Scot did however celebrate his maiden BSB win at his home round (Knockhill).

“First of all, I am delighted to remain in the TAS Racing set up for 2025,” Skinner said. “We enjoyed a win this season in BSB and with a change of machinery to Ducati for 2025 – a bike that has been a major success in BSB with various riders and team – I firmly believe we can be at the sharp end all year.

“It’s an honour to be representing such a prestigious brand and I’m sure the bike will have a stand out appearance in Cheshire Mouldings Ducati livery, prepared by TAS Racing.”

It means that there will be three Ducati V4 R riders on the grid next season. Glenn Irwin remains with Hager PBM Ducati, whilst Leon Haslam has joined Moto Rapido Racing Ducati.

Meanwhile, the team will also return to the Supersport class with the Ducati V2 with the highly rated Edoardo Colombi. The Italian lost out to Richard Cooper in the Sportbike Championship by 1.5 points in 2024 despite it being his first time racing in the UK. Colombi impressed at most circuits, picking up victories at Oulton Park, Donington, Snetterton, Brands Hatch and Cadwell Park.

“I have very much enjoyed my first season on British tracks and to come so close to winning a title was enjoyable and will set me up well for the British Supersport Championship,” Colombi said. “To come to a team like TAS Racing with so much history is exciting for me and to be riding the Ducati V2, which I know is a great bike, is also something to look forward to very much. The team has already made me very welcome and I cannot wait to get started on the Cheshire Mouldings Ducati by TAS Racing.”

TAS Racing have won the Supersport title on two occasions, first with Michael Laverty in 2007 and then with Alastair Seeley in 2011.

 “We are extremely happy to announce this new relationship with Ducati,” Philip Neill, Team Principal added. “On a personal level I have always admired Ducati and wondered if we might ever have the opportunity to race with this iconic brand.

“We are really pleased to continue with Rory for a second year, and also to welcome Edoardo to TAS Racing. I believe these two young riders are a perfect combination and together with the proven capabilities of both the Ducati V4 R and V2 machinery, we are excited for the future.

“None of this would be possible without the support of our commercial partners, so to extend our title partnership with Cheshire Mouldings and continued support from Milwaukee really is a dream scenario for us.”

TAS Racing’s 10-year partnership with BMW included 75 British/National Championship podiums, two National Superstock titles, six Isle of Man TT victories, 11 North West 200 victories and 50 road racing podiums.