Scott Redding Takes Silverstone Podium On BSB Debut

Ex-MotoGP rider Scott Redding made an immediate impact at the opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at a sun-soaked Silverstone today when the 26-year-old brought his Be Wiser Ducati home in a superb podium place in the opening race.

It was the highlight of a tough weekend for both Scott and team-mate Josh Brookes as the pair suffered mixed fortunes for the Penrith-based team with Scott crashing out of the second race and Aussie Brookes, the 2015 BSB champion, retiring from both races on his factory-backed Be Wiser Ducati Panigale V4 R.

In glorious conditions, both riders made strong starts to the first race of the season with Redding slotting into fourth place from the front row whilst Brookes had to make progress from his sixth-row start following a technical problem in qualifying. Scott was left to chase the leading trio but a last lap clash between Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O’Halloran left the latter on the floor leaving Scott to claim the final podium spot in third.

Race two saw Scott start from the head of the second row in fourth with Brookes in tenth as a close battle ensured between the leading dozen riders with both Be Wiser Ducati riders well placed. However, it got too close on lap six, Redding was taken out by another rider and crashed out, luckily without serious injury.

Scott Redding:
“I was obviously happy to take the podium in the first race, but it wasn’t a deserved one as the three riders in front of me had more pace. To be honest, I didn’t expect the pace to be so quick at the beginning, but I hung in as best I could. It was disappointing to be taken down in race two and I’m very sore, but I should be OK for Oulton Park. Despite that, what a fantastic reception I got from the BSB race fans, it was quite emotional so thanks to them all for that. We now have a test at Oulton and need to work on a few issues and hopefully see some improved results at the next round.”