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PSG-1 stick with Kawasaki, sign Badovini |
Despite the loss of factory backing, PSG-1 Corse will persevere with Kawasaki machinery for the 2009 World Superbike Championship, while promising youngster Ayrton Badovini will lead their challenge.
Having seen their contract as Kawasaki's works outfit transferred to Paul Bird Motorsport, the San-Marino based team were rumoured to be returning to the Ducati fold having enjoyed decent success with them up until 2004.
However, the team have since confirmed to
Crash.net that they will remain affiliated with Kawasaki in 2009, albeit as a privateer team. Now able to develop and research the bikes away from Kawasaki factory influence, PSG-1 will run the same ZX-10Rs they competed with in 2008.
As for riders, Badovini will graduate to PSG-1 after season spent adapting to Superbike machinery at Team Pedercini.
Badovini, who was set to race for PSG-1 in 2008 before Makoto Tamada became available, was one of the unheralded stars of the season as he challenged the strength of the factory team on his unfancied, year-old Kawasaki.
A Superpole contender on several occasions, Badovini managed a best result of ninth place over the course of the season, on home ground at Monza. Finishing the season 24th overall, the Italian was just four positions behind MotoGP race winner Tamada on the latest Kawasaki.
He will be joined by a second rider, although their identity is yet to be confirmed.
