Iddon joins Buildbase Suzuki for 2022 BSB season, Kent stays with the team
Christian Iddon will have a new team for the 2022 BSB championship after signing with Buildbase Suzuki.
Iddon, who was a title contender during the early part of 2021, makes the move to Suzuki machinery after two seasons aboard a Panigale V4.
With his former Ducati team having already retained Josh Brookes, while the second seat could go the way of 2013 WorldSBK champion Tom Sykes, Iddon claimed he was surprised to be ‘looking for a ride’ following last year’s campaign.
Iddon added: "To be honest I was surprised to find myself looking for a ride going into the winter, but things always seem to fall into place and I’m really pleased to be joining Buildbase Suzuki and Hawk Racing.
“I think we’re cut from similar cloth in that they love their racing, they’re very passionate about it, and they just quietly get on with it.
"I also think the team is underrated by a lot of people – though not by me – despite their achievements, and they don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
"But, you only have to look at the races and championships they’ve won and how they always get the best out of their riders to know it’s a great team. So I think we’re well-suited to each other.
"And I think we can mount a serious title challenge. That’s got to be the aim, to be champion can only ever be the aim.
"Of course that’s not easy with so many bikes so close on performance and good riders on the grid, but if we get the best from the bike and from me we can have a go."
Iddon will join former Moto3 champion Danny Kent who is scheduled for his second campaign with the Suzuki team.
Kent, who missed much of last season due to a hip injury, is still suffering from a lack of ‘strength’, however, significant improvements have already been made ahead of what should be his first full season in BSB.
"My hip is getting better. It’s not at 100% but it’s going in the right direction," added Kent. "A lack of strength is the biggest thing; the muscles have deteriorated and it feels weak.
"I can’t apply the same force, but I’m working with Loughborough University and I have seen a significant improvement. But it was a complicated injury – I was bed-bound for a week waiting for an operation, as they could put it back in place but it kept falling out because of the fracture – and I have to see specialists every three months for the foreseeable future.
"I’ve not ridden a bike since, though, so I’m looking forward to riding in February, hopefully, and getting some laps in on a Superstock bike to get comfortable again and get up to speed.
"No matter what training you do nothing compares to riding a bike, so that’s going to be important."
With two-time race winner in 2021 Gino Rea leaving the team and BSB for EWC (Endurance World Championship), the British rider - who already had a tough challenge against the experienced Rea - will arguably have an even tougher opponent in the form of Iddon.
Talking about his new team-mate, Kent added: "I’m looking forward to having Christian [Iddon] as a teammate. He’s been a serious championship challenger for the last couple of years and there aren’t many better riders for me to learn from.
"He’s one of the most established riders in the paddock, he’s got lots of experience and he’ll be a podium challenger, so I think it’s a great signing for the team. I’m excited to get going."
