Scott Redding is crowned 2019 BSB Champion

Scott Redding has been crowned the 2019 British Superbike Champion after holding off a determined Josh Brookes in the final round of the season at Branda Hatch.

The ex-MotoGP rider needed to finish at least fifth to assure himself of the title in his maiden season of Superbike racing for Paul Bird Motorsport’s Be Wiser Ducati team, the Briton comfortably reeling off a third place result on the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

It caps off a remarkable season for Redding, who overcame a relatively slow start to the season as he got to grips with the rigours of BSB to successfully temper fantastic pace with remarkable consistency.

While it was close on points with Brookes at the end, Redding still walks away as the ‘winningest’ rider with 11 victories, including a pivotal four during the Title Showdown.

He becomes the first rider to win the title in his first season of British Superbikes *

Scott Redding arrives, surveys and conquers BSB

While luring a rider from MotoGP to BSB was certainly a coup for series organisers MSVR, Redding was still something of an unproven choice for Paul Bird Motorsport, despite his high-profile reputation.

Racing on unknown circuits despite many being only a stone’s throw from home, riding a Superbike for the first time and doing so without the aid of the electronics that crafted his riding style in the grand prix ranks, Redding nonetheless threw himself into BSB with vigour and determination.

Indeed, Redding may be known for his brash style but his title-winning campaign has been built on wily race craft, searing turns of speed and a patience that isn’t easy to master in BSB’s cut and thrust action.

In all, Redding failed to score in only four races across 26 – twice when he was taken out by a rider (on both occasions Andrew Irwin), once when he incorrectly gambled on slick tyres and again when he was penalised having finished second on track.

It allowed Redding to build his momentum – especially on circuits he did know better than others – to such an extent Brookes simply had no response when it mattered in the Title Showdown.

As quickly as he came, Redding now quickly departs as he heads back to the international stage in the WorldSBK Championship as Ducati’s talisman in the wake of Alvaro Bautista’s departure.

While Redding was always popular for his unfiltered approach to motorsport both on and off track, his BSB campaign is one that has reminded many of his quality and skill too.

It was brief, but Scott Redding has left his indelible mark.

*Gregorio Lavilla started one event in 2004 before winning the 2005 title in his first full season of BSB