Ian Hutchinson will compete in his first full British Superbike campaign in 2014 after signing for the all-new FFX Yamaha team. After an injury-ravaged period which cost him eighteen months of his career, Hutchinson returned to win the 2013 Macau Grand Prix and this year will see him look to add BSB glory to his list of road racing achievements.
The 34 year old was previously signed to partner Tommy Hill at Swan Yamaha in 2012 before injury took over and is determined to make the most of his opportunity in the upcoming season.
“I have been aiming to race in the Championship for several years and I had the chance a few seasons ago but I had setbacks with my injury so this feels like a big opportunity for me. This whole season means a lot to me personally because I have done a couple of rounds before but never a whole Championship and I am excited that we have the chance to learn and progress throughout the year. MCE BSB is the highest level of racing in Britain and I have my own targets and ambitions but I am going to take it as it comes because we know we have a well-developed bike with the Yamaha and that should make my first season an easier scenario.”
“I have been building on making my return to racing and that has made me more determined for sure. I have learnt a lot in the past three years and have matured as a rider although I wasn’t racing as much so I want to make this count. I want to thank everyone involved with the FFX Yamaha team and the project for giving me this chance.”
The machine Hutchinson will compete on in 2014 (Photo Credit: BSB Media)
As a new entrant, FFX Yamaha will strengthen the British Superbike Championship, sharing technical knowledge with Shaun Muir Racing, and will run as a satellite Yamaha outfit. Team Principal Gary Ekerold is eagerly anticipating their BSB debut and has ambitious plans for his new squad.
“This is a fantastic announcement for 2014; to have Hutchy feature on the MCE British Superbike grid. I’m really looking forward to working with him and as a rider I don’t think he should ever be underestimated. He is renowned for his incredible success on the roads and now wants to demonstrate what he’s capable of when it comes to BSB and I believe will bring yet another dimension to the series.”
“We also welcome Andy (Reid) to the team in the Superstock 600 class and as an upcoming young talent this is a great opportunity for him. He achieved some impressive results in the Motostar Championship last year and is now ready to make the next step and move forward a level. We’ll do our best to help him achieve this. He’s young, fast and full of self-confidence; a great combination.”
“So, as a team our ambition is clear, and that is to win and be consistently at the sharp end, however our expectation, is to build steadily throughout the year and establish this team within the British Championship.”
