GINO REA will return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in 2020 onboard the Bike Devil Ducati as the team prepares for the season with a switch of manufacturer in the Superbike class.
Rea ended the final two rounds of the 2019 season with the Hampshire-based team riding the MV Agusta, standing in the sacked Danny Kent, rewarding MV with their best result – twelfth place at Cadwell Park.
Rea said: “I’m so excited and grateful to be returning to the BSB paddock full time in 2020 with Bike Devil Ducati. After joining the team as a last-minute replacement at Cadwell Park where we scored points straight away, it is great to be rewarded with a full time ride next season.
“It's been a tough year having to watch all the races that I should have been in but I stayed active, and I learned a lot running the R4R Superstock team and competing in the World Endurance Championship. It's made me even more determined and hungry to come back racing in BSB.
“Making the switch to the Ducati V4 is a fantastic opportunity for us all, we know what the Ducati is capable of and I hope we can maximise the potential of the bike. I'll do everything I can to make this successful.
“I owe a massive thank you to everyone at Vision CPS for making this happen, along with Waggy Tails, KYT Helmets and my other personal sponsors for sticking by me throughout the tough times, along with Dave Tyson and the Bike Devil Insurance team for this opportunity. I can’t wait to swing my leg over the Ducati V4 for the first time and get to grips with it.”
Perrin said: "I'm really excited to ride the MV Agusta in 2020; it's a bike I've raced against many times. Next year is going to be my first season in a big team and I'm feeling confident about the experience so I can't wait to get out testing and rise to the new challenge. Finally, I would like to thank all involved at Bikedevil Insurance MV Agusta for this fantastic opportunity.”
Team Owner Dave Tyson commented: “I am really happy to be able to announce our 2020 plans, especially as we have lots of changes for the new year!
“Retaining Gino in our line-up was always key for me and I am pleased to sign him for 2020 because he has the experience to really deliver in BSB and with a full season I think we will see lots more from him. We built a good relationship this year and I am sure we can continue that into the new season.
“Due to homologation, we were looking to replace the MV Agusta for the new campaign and I am pleased to confirm we are switching to the Ducati V4, which we can begin testing soon.”
