Gregorio Lavilla, the newly crowned British Superbike Champion, has signed
to continue with GSE Racing for 2006 and will partner Leon Haslam in the
Airwaves Ducati squad for a second year.
Lavilla was highly sought after having had a stunning season, his decision
to stay with Airwaves Ducati to defend his title is exciting news for the
whole team and for next season's Championship.
The Spaniard today commented on his decision to stay with Airwaves Ducati,
"I have decided to stay with the team for one more year in British
Superbikes because, having spoken lots to Darrell and Colin, I believe that
we can do good things together. This year the atmosphere within the team has
been very good and that is very important to me and I know that if I stay
with the team we can achieve even more. Next season's Championship will be
good and I want to try to raise the level of it and of course try to win the
Championship again."
The Spaniard added his thoughts on next season, "I expect there will be a
lot of competition and some tough races but I will be ready for that, the
team will be ready for that and the bike will be ready too."
Gregorio joined the Airwaves Ducati team as a late replacement for the
injured James Haydon in March. With little or no knowledge of many of the
British Superbike Circuits when he joined, he quickly proved himself as one
of the best riders and a title contender. Having developed a good
relationship with Leon, the team went from strength to strength and would
like to continue that into next year.
Team Principle Darrell Healey "We are absolutely delighted Greg has decided
to stay with us for next year, we appreciate that he is very hot property
and I'm sure his decision was not an easy one to make. It's been our best
season ever! After having a year out in 2004 no one could have predicted we
would win the championship on our return. We are very proud of our team and
the effort they all make".
Team Manager Colin Wright "We have proved to be the strongest team in the
Championship, we have enjoyed 33 podium finishes, 8 lap records, only missed
out on the podium in one race. Greg and Leon have given us six one two's
resulting in Airwaves Ducati scoring 11 more points than its nearest rival!
It's been a true team effort. For Greg to join us at Brands Hatch in March
and then go on to win the championship is outstanding. Now, having secured
him for 2006 it's yet another reason for the team to celebrate."
Ducati Corse Director Paolo Ciabatti also confirmed what bikes the riders
will be racing on next year "We are very pleased for GSE Racing, the result
was fantastic and we are very happy with their rider line up. I can confirm
that we will provide GSE Racing with Ducati 999 F'06 machines, the same as
the factory team will use in World Superbike, next season."
With Leon and Gregorio set to race on the most up to date Ducati machinery
next season the Airwaves Ducati teams return to British Superbikes in 2006
is likely to be as eagerly anticipated as their comeback at the start of
this season. By continuing with the same riders, sponsors and with the help
of Ducati Corse, GSE Racing is confident they will successfully defend their
Bennett's British Superbike title in 2006.
