Triumph Dynavolt signs Hannes Soomer for 2022 WorldSSP return
Hannes Soomer will form half of the new full factory Triumph Dynavolt WorldSSP team after officially signing with the British manufacturer.
Triumph are making their comeback to the intermediate class for the first time since 2012 with its converted naked-to-sportbike STR765 machine.
Triumph’s return to WorldSSP sees them become the second manufacturer to do so for 2022 after Ducati also confirmed their participation for the first time since 2007.
Soomer, who competed for Kallio Racing Yamaha in 2021, is a three-time Supersport podium finisher.
Soomer said: "I am very happy to join the Dynavolt Triumph team for the 2022 season. I truly believe in the bike’s potential and the team’s experience and am sure we can find a good way to work quickly.
"This year will present some new challenges with the new regulations which makes it very unpredictable and interesting. I can only say we will give it our all and I can’t wait to start testing and really working for the season ahead."
Triumph have been eager to return to WorldSSP since it was confirmed that motorcycles with a power range of anything up to 960cc would be allowed (so far as it meets the cylinders requirement).
After having their 765cc three-cylinder machine analysed against its 600-650cc four-cylinder counterparts, the above-mentioned STR750cc model has now been confirmed. Triumph will be partnered by PTR who also return to the series after a year away.
Regarding the second seat, Soomer is expected to be joined by long-time Moto2 rider Stefano Manzi.
"We are really pleased to announce that we have come to an agreement with Hannes Soomer for our official Dynavolt Triumph team," added Team Manager Simon Buckmaster.
"To be honest, I’ve been watching Hannes’ progress in recent years and have spoken to him the last couple of seasons about the possibility of signing for our team, so I’m pleased that for this year we’ve been able to make an agreement together.
"Hannes has already had podiums in 2020. Last year he broke his leg early in the season and came back impressively from that. I believe the potential is there, he has the experience and he believes in our team and the Triumph project.
"We are excited to get started with testing and looking forward to the early part of the championship. Our aim has to be to challenge towards the front and ultimately for the podiums and the title.
"I think he is going to surprise a few people - not everybody because there are a few of us who realise his talent - but he is going to be a surprise. I’m really looking forward to it."
