Peter Hickman has signed for the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team and will compete with them in the 2016 British Superbike Championship, as well as on the roads. The 28 year old impressed with RAF Reserves BMW this season, taking three podium finishes, and will now switch to GBmoto who will benefit from official Kawasaki backing next year.
With his schedule also including the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix, Hickman is expecting 2016 to be a significant year in his career.
“I’m really pleased to be joining Mark and the GBmoto squad again. They’re an incredibly professional outfit and with the factory support from Kawasaki, coupled with the awesome new ZX-10R, it’s the best package on the grid. I’m also really excited to be working with James as a team mate, it’s the first time I’ve ever had a genuine title challenger sharing the garage with me! The goal for BSB this year is of course to first be in the Showdown, but also challenging for podiums and wins.”
I’m really looking forward to getting the Kawasaki out on the Roads too. It will be the first time I’ve ridden a different bike at the North West, TT and Ulster, but the new Superbike is an absolute weapon on paper and with factory support, I see no reason why it won’t relate to the track. To get the first win this year was incredible, and although it takes a lot of luck I definitely think we’ll be able to challenge at the front in 2016!”
Team Principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen now believes he has the perfect rider pairing to challenge for victories on all fronts next year.
“I’m really pleased to have Peter back with the team for 2016. Over the last couple of years he’s proven to be one of the rare breed of riders who is capable of not only running at the front of the MCE British Superbike Championship but also compete for glory on the Roads. Our aim for next season is to get him into the BSB Showdown along with James, he’s shown he can secure podiums and race wins and I’m confident that with the JG Speedfit Kawasaki package he’ll be able to challenge for the same every weekend.”
On the Roads side of things, we’re under no illusions as to how tough it is to run at the front and secure a podium. It will be only our second year competing between the hedges, but Peter has shown his incredible talent, remaining the fastest ever newcomer to the TT as well as setting the eighth fastest lap in history around the course and also securing an Ulster Grand Prix win in only his second year! We’ll approach the three events with the same professionalism and enthusiasm as we do for everything and with increased support from Kawasaki, I’m confident we’ll be able to have a very strong showing!”
