Former BSB champion Gregorio Lavilla admits he can't wait to make his return to the World Superbike stage as the new season kicks off this coming weekend in Qatar.
The 34-year-old Spaniard, who won the BSB crown in 2005, joins the Paul Bird Motorsport team for his return to the series with Paul Bird's team – the only British outfit in WSBK this year – making the move up after 13 years racing in the various British championships.
Lavilla will be aboard the teams Phil Borley-prepared Honda Fireblade with backing from UK ventilation experts Vent Axia and Kick Energy Drink, part of the Global Brands company which owns such products as VK Vodka Kick.
Although he will start the season on a 2007 machine prior to the debut of the team's new bike when the European season kicks off in Valencia in April, Lavilla admitted he couldn't wait for the campaign to start – although he added that he didn't expect it to be easy.
"I am looking forward to the challenge and am very excited to be back in World Superbikes," he said. "We still have lots to learn what with many new circuits and the new tyres, and also racing a four cylinder bike after three years on a twin so it will be tough.
"Also, there are at least fifteen factory-supported riders out there, all of whom will be very fast so we have to be realistic about our chances, especially early in the season. However, I feel that I have been riding well in testing and will be trying my best as always."
Team owner Bird has fond memories of the last time his team raced in World Superbikes, when Shane Byrne won both races at
Brands Hatch while riding as a wildcard back in 2003.
Like Lavilla, he said he didn't expect an easy time as he graduates from BSB on a full-time basis although the Cumbrian said that podiums remained the aims for the year as whole.
