BSS: WSBK refugee Roberts joins Rob Mac

Brendan Roberts has announced a return to British Championship racing after being signed as the replacement for the injured Dan Linfoot at this weekend's Mallory Park British Supersport round.

The reigning FIM Superstock 1000 Champion, Roberts began the season competing in the World Superbike Championship with Guandalini Ducati, but an injury in an accident at Monza has forced him onto the sidelines since May.

With his relationship in the team turning sour, Roberts has now landed back in Britain where he competed in 2005 as part of the Virgin Mobile Cup. On that occasion he finished second in the championship behind countryman and current BSS front runner Billy McConnell.

"The Virgin Mobile Cup gave me the chance to break through in the UK. I came over from Australia and battled with my Aussie mate Billy McConnell who just beat me for the win, since then I have never looked back and had a great time riding in the UK and Europe, to come back and have a blast on the Supersport bike will be great fun and I hope I can run with Billy again!"

Something of a 'Virgin Cup reunion' with Roberts, McConnell, Graeme Gowland and Tommy Hill all competing this weekend, Rob McElnea was delighted to have acquired the services of Roberts, as well as Superstock rider BJ Toal.

"It is amazing to see so many of our Cup riders breaking through and with Cal potentially a World Champion! Graeme Gowland, Tommy Hill, Billy McConnell, Brendan Roberts and BJ Toal have all made the big steps and have furthered their careers from our Cup and it is very satisfying for all of us.

"Brendan and BJ will ride in the Supersport this weekend and will be well up for a battle; Brendan had been riding in the World Superbike series and BJ in the British Superstock series so both have a new bike for this weekend.

"It should be fun to see how all the guys fair and Mallory will be a good opportunity for them all."