‘Adrenaline junkie’ Redding rushes to front row for BSB debut

Scott Redding says he is ‘super happy’ to mark his much-anticipated Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut with a run to the front row in his first-ever qualifying session.

After 11 seasons competing on the world stage in the grand prix class – five of which were spent in the top MotoGP class – 26-year old Redding embarks on a new chapter in his advanced but youthful career by joining the Paul Bird Motorsport-helmed Be Wiser Ducati squad for the 2019 BSB season.

With Redding’s debut coinciding with the similarly anticipated first domestic outing for the new Ducati V4 – which has dominated proceedings in the World Superbike Championship – the pressure is expected to be on the two-time MotoGP podium winner this year.

Carrying the Be Wiser Ducati hopes in qualifying after team-mate Josh Brookes suffered technical issues early on, Redding nevertheless impressed by saving his best until last to grab a fine third place on the grid.

Sat alongside the McAMS Yamahas and in a strong position to turn his first race into a first podium, Redding says he got a thrill from the fast-pace BSB format.

“If you are an adrenaline junkie that is what you want to do,” he beamed. “Normally you have one qualifying [in MotoGP], here you almost know you are going to get there so in Q1 and Q2 you are juggling the tyres and then in Q3 you just close your eyes and go all in! 

“I haven’t enjoyed qualifying in the past, but if the bike is working well underneath you, you get so much adrenaline and I am super happy with third!”