ROYAL AIR FORCE RESERVES LAUNCH NEW CAMPAIGN WITH BMW AND CONTINUE WITH RACE WINNER HICKMAN
Peter Hickman has been announced at the MCN London Motorcycle Show today (Sunday) as the 38th rider to join the 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. The RAF Reserves team return for their second season in the premier class, moving to BMW power for their 2015 campaign.
Hickman joined the team towards the middle of last season and was instantly pushing for top ten finishes before securing a first MCE BSB race win for both himself and the team at his home round of Cadwell Park in August.
The RAF Marham-based team have switched from Honda to BMW machinery for the forthcoming season and they believe the change will move them closer to be in contention for a place in the end of season Showdown.
Hickman said: “I am really happy to stay with the RAF Reserves team for a second consecutive season, to have that consistency is something I haven’t really had in the past. The team are changing manufacturers for this season, I am behind the move to BMW and I am really excited. I hope that we can push forward this season; I was able to break into the top 10 on the BMW in 2012, so I am feeling really positive about this move.
“My aim is definitely to be in the Showdown and that is something that should be achievable. I had my first win at Cadwell Park last year so I want to be pushing for podiums again and build on what I achieved last season. I really can’t wait to get started.”
Team owner Lee Hardy commented: “I thought my first season in MCE BSB was a test of team management, but 2015 is certainly going to be a whole new challenge. The change of machinery has been one decision that has taken a lot of deliberating, but one I feel will take the team forward and help deliver my three-year plan. We are currently in the process of building a 2015 BMW S1000RR and I am working with new manufactures to give Pete the best bike possible.
“It’s great to have the RAF Reserves back on board as title sponsor for 2015. Andrew Martin of Mother Hubbard’s Fish and Chip shop is supporting the team again and his help was remarkable throughout 2014. More exciting news from the team is the announcement of a new partner sponsor for the 2015 season, Briggs Equipment Ltd, a material handling company. I looking forward to working with them throughout 2015 and hopefully beyond.
“A personal goal I have set in my own mind is to make sure we are in the Showdown. Achieving it this year is going to harder than ever – it’s a long time since the MCE BSB grid has been so full with such a vast depth of competition.”
For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com