Redding marks BSB initiation with debut podium and bruising clash

Scott Redding endured mixed fortunes on his much-anticipated maiden Bennetts British Superbike Championship race weekend at Silverstone, the ex-MotoGP rider taking away a podium trophy but also a few bruises.

After eleven seasons of grand prix competition, Redding makes the high-profile switch to Superbike racing this season with Paul Bird Motorsport’s Be Wiser team, the two-time MotoGP podium winner campaigning Ducati’s brand-new Panigale V4.

Heralding his first-ever BSB qualifying session with an encouraging run to the front row in third, while Redding successfully stayed out of trouble during the busy opening laps of race one, he’d find himself a fairly lonely fourth at the mid-way stage.

Despite the gap to the front, Redding was nonetheless in the right place to capitalise on Jason O’Halloran’s last lap tumble ahead to rise to third position at the chequered flag and secure a podium in his maiden BSB race. Even so, Redding played down the result in light of the pace deficit to rivals McAMS Yamaha.

“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.”

Coming into race two with his sights set on victory this time, Redding’s outing lasted just five laps when a clash with Andrew Irwin at Brooklands – for which the Honda rider was penalised – forced him down and into a painful retirement.

“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.”