Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot will be returning to action, but this time he’ll not be in Moto2 but competing in the 2014 World Supersport championship.
Last August it was announced that Wilairot would be retiring from racing (after 105 races between the 250cc and Moto2 classes) and would be leaving Gresini’s Moto2 team and replaced by Thitipong Warokorn (with Wilairot as his coach).
Warokorn joined the highly competitive Moto2 championship during the Indianapolis round, but the newest rider out of Thailand had no experience in the world of Grand Prix racing under his belt and completed only six out the nine remaining rounds of the 2013 season after being ruled out after sustaining a fractured right shoulder blade in Australia.
“Feem” will now be joining Simon Buckmaster’s Core PTR Honda team for the 2014 season and racing a CBR600RR.
“I am really happy to be racing for Core PTR Honda in the World Supersport Championship.
Our aims are the same.
We want to race at the front and challenge for the podium.
I think together we will be able to do this and I am looking forward to getting to know the team and bike better,” said Wilairot.
PTR Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “We are excited to have Ratthapark join us as he has undoubted talent and raw speed as he has proved in Moto2 and 250GP.
He is a quick rider that I think will benefit from having one of the best bikes in the Championship and a team fully behind him as he goes for the best results possible.
“Ratthapark will race in Core PTR Honda colours but he will benefit from being in the same garage as Jack Kennedy on the CIA PTR Honda bike.
Nacho Calero on the other CIA PTR Honda bike will also benefit from the experience and speed around him.
Together I think these racers will push and encourage each other to achieve the best they can and we are looking forward to testing in January already.
We are looking to announce a fourth rider to complete the squad as soon as possible.
“CIA PTR Honda and Core PTR Honda will test at Portimao in Portugal on 19-20th January.
A 19-year-old student dies suddenly on campus, prompting support for the community.
A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized after a stabbing on Elgin High Street, prompting police investigations.
The Met Office warns of significant snowfall and icy conditions in the coming days.
A strange object in the sky sparks speculation among residents and experts alike.
A tragic incident in Fort William leads to murder charges against a teenager.
A heartfelt appeal for support emerges following the tragic death of a beloved mother.
3t training centre leads the way in survival skills for oil and gas workers.
Local authorities tackle a shed fire in Dundas Street, Stromness.
Authorities investigate a dispute involving a customer at a local pub.
Eve and Ewan Morrison prepare to launch Fable, a new cafe focused on quality and comfort.