A completely new and renewed line-up aims to set fire to this season’s BSB championship Danny Kent and Gino Rea compete for Buildbase Suzuki. Both men will ride the GSX-R 1000 with the clear intention of surprising the field and at the same time dreaming of a place in the showdown.
Renewal for Gino Rea
The benchmark team for the Hamamatsu manufacturer has been in the UK top class since 2017 – Buildbase Suzuki – returned to success in 2020 more than a year after the last one thanks to a one-two at the Silverstone ‘National’ circuit. After saying goodbye to Kyle Ryde (who moved to Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW), it was decided to re-confirm Gino Rea for 2021. Appointed by Stuart Hicken to replace the injured Keith Farmer after an initial training period. The SuperStock 600 European Champion 2009 was able to prove himself with a surprising fourth place in Donington Park. He was a little pleased when he ran a BSB race for a few laps.
“I am very excited to stay with Buildbase Suzuki in 2021,” said Rea. “Hawk Racing is one of the oldest and most experienced teams in BSB, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to drive for them again. After seeing the progress we’ve made, this is the perfect scenario to build on our 2020 results and give the team the results they deserve. “
New chance for Kent
After a positive season on the British SuperStock 1000 with Morello Racing, Danny Kent will return to BSB after the very brief experience of 2018 with MV Agusta. For the Chippenham driver, it will be an opportunity to seize, one that came almost unexpectedly at the Brands Hatch weekend last October. It is one last chance for him to resume his career after winning the Moto3 world title in 2015.
Kent said, “I am very motivated and happy to be joining the Buildbase Suzuki team. I I think a lot of people will know that my career has had both its highest and lowest lows in recent years, with 2019 being a particularly low point. So I am very grateful for this opportunity. Last year I had a good season in Superstock 1000 and If I switch to a superbike, I think my GP experience could mean I can do pretty well I’m used to a stiffer chassis setup, racing swing arms, slicks and the like. I also know that I still have a lot to learn, but I want to be in the showdown by the end of the year. “