Smart, Ducati return with Moto Rapido

Both Ducati and Scott Smart will return to the MCE British Superbike Championship grid in 2010 after Moto Rapido announced it is stepping up to the premier class.

The team will take advantage of the newly introduced 'Evo' rules to enter a pair of Ducatis to be ridden by former BSB race winner Smart and an as-yet-unnamed rider.

Graduating from the Superstock series, where Smart finished seventh overall with a best result of second at Donington Park and Croft, team manager Steve Moore was delighted to be joining the Superbike class in 2010.

"We had a good year in Superstock and learned a lot about the Ducati, so that has put us in good stead for the jump up to the Superbike class with the Evo rules.

"I am happy to say we have retained all of our sponsors for 2010 and I would like to thank them for their continued support. I believe the team are in a good position to challenge for wins next year, which is in no small part down to our partners."

Former 250 and 500GP rider Smart, meanwhile, last raced in BSB in 2008 when he competed for Hawk Kawasaki. After a season in the support series, he is pleased to be stepping back up to Superbikes.

"It feels good to be sorted with a great team for next year and I am really looking forward to being back in the main championship. I think the Evo rules should create some close racing and it will great to be fighting up at the sharp end again.

"The package we have got together for the Ducati looks to be really strong and we have setup data for all the circuits on the calendar now, plus some more data from Ducati Corse, so it should be a lot of fun."