Former MotoGP rider Hector Barbera will continue competing in the British Superbike Championship next season after being signed alongside Luke Mossey in the OMG Racing BMW team.
The Spaniard – who started 139 premier class grands prix between 2010-2017 – made his BSB debut in 2019 with the Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki team and enjoyed a handful of eye-catching results, including a top six on his debut at Donington Park.
However, in addition to the general struggles of the Quattro Plant team as a whole, Barbera endured a tougher time getting competitive at the BSB’s more technical venues.
Nonetheless, having hinted that he wanted to stay competing in the UK based on the passion of the BSB’s fanbase, Barbera has sourced a new deal with OMG Racing, which in turn swaps from Suzuki to BMW machinery for its 2020 challenge.
“I’m delighted to remain in the Championship and to join OMG Racing for 2020. Last year I started during the season and that was a big challenge, there was a lot of learning to do in a very short space of time – without testing, so we were starting from scratch at each round.
“After 16 years in different championships where only four or five teams have a realistic shot at winning, BSB is a special series to compete in because of how open and competitive it is. Any number of riders and manufacturers can win – which is to me unlike any series in the world. The fans are also incredibly passionate; I am still learning a lot about racing over here but to see so many people who want to talk to me and make me feel welcome is something I’ve enjoyed since starting over in the UK.
“I’ll be working hard this winter to arrive at testing in the best shape possible and I know the team is already hard at work to develop the bike. I have respect for all the teams and the riders competing in this championship but I’m here to win. I have the experience, I have shown that I am a fast rider, and I’m ready for battle.
Barbera joins Mossey in the revised OMG Racing rider line-up aboard a pair of new generation BMW S1000RRs.
