OMG Racing splits with Rea

OMG Racing has announced it has terminated Gino Rea’s contract with immediate effective ahead of the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike championship.

The British rider made his BSB debut with OMG Suzuki this year and gradually built up his results as the campaign progressed ending in a seventh place at Silverstone.

Despite having re-signed for 2019, the two parties have split just one week before a winter test at Cartagena due to “a conflict of interest”, according to a team statement.

“Gino has helped OMG to develop into a standout team and a crowd favourite during our first year as a British Superbike team, we cannot thank him enough for his hard-work and professionalism across the 2018 season,” the OMG Racing statement said.

“He has delivered the team with many memorable moments, including topping the first practice session at Assen and a fantastic ride to 7th place at Silverstone.

“We are disappointed to be losing a talented rider but fully support Gino’s further aspirations in the paddock. Gino will always remain a part of the OMG Family and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We ask our supporters that the privacy of the team and of Gino is respected in this period.”

OMG Racing Suzuki had expanded its BSB efforts to a two-rider line-up for 2019 having signed Luke Mossey alongside Rea earlier this month.