Skinner given lifeline in British Talent Cup

Scottish teenager Rory Skinner has been given an eleventh hour lifeline for the 2018 season, with the news that he’ll line up as part of the inaugural British Talent Cup grid when the new one-make series kicks off later this season at the Donington Park round of the British Superbike championship in April.

Skinner was left without a ride in the Spanish CEV Moto3 series for this year when his title sponsor the Racing Steps Foundation pulled out of competition, leaving him unable to build on a strong season last year in the series. That, coupled with an end to his time in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, meant that he was potentially looking at a season on the sidelines.

However, with the last-minute addition to the British Talent Cup grid, he’s now been given a route that could lead him back into the series if this year goes well for him.

“I was disappointed when my sponsor RSF pulled out at the end of the year, although I am very grateful to them for backing me in the Junior World Championship for the past three years. As I had also reached the maximum three years in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, it looked for a while like I would be without a ride.

“I’m really pleased to be given this opportunity by Alberto Puig and Dorna to remain on their Road to MotoGP programme, and I am looking forward to getting back out on the British circuits after three years of racing in Spain. he British Talent Cup is a great initiative and, as we have seen with the Asia Talent Cup, it provides a proven route into the MotoGP paddock, which remains my ultimate goal.”