Moto2: Ray handed Moto2 wildcard at British GP

Emerging English rider Bradley Ray has been handed a wildcard entry into the British round of the Moto2 world championship when the MotoGP paddock arrives at Silverstone next month.

The Lydd-based teenager will make his grand prix debut after securing a wildcard slot with help from the former owner of British factory FTR, Steve Bones, who has agreed to loan an FTR machine to Ray which he will race at Silverstone.

The 18-year-old has spent the year competing in the European CEV Moto2 championship with Vyrus as well as the National Superstock 600 championship in the UK with Motobreakers, where he notched up a podium finish in his second race of the season.

The delighted Ray is well aware of the task ahead of him but is confident he can put in a solid performance at the British round and make significant progress in his burgeoning career.

"I'm so happy to be given this opportunity to do my first wildcard at my home GP at Silverstone," Ray said. "I need to say a massive thank you to everyone from FTR and Steve Bones who have made this possible for me.

"I've been riding my Vyrus Moto2 in the European CEV Moto2 so I have the bigger bike experience, but it's going to be a big step and a big experience at the GP. I know the track really well and I'm looking forward to finding a good setup on the FTR Moto2."