KTM runner-up added to Evo entry list

2009 KTM Super Cup runner-up Pauli Pekkanen graduates to the British Superbike Evo class riding a Suzuki

23 Feb 2010

The inaugural British Superbike Evo championship continues to go from strength-to-strength with the confirmation of a ninth competitor in Pauli Pekkanen.

The 26-year-old will ride a Suzuki under the RR Motorsport banner in 2010 having recently tasted success in the one-make KTM RC8 Super Cup, the Finn claiming the runners-up spot in 2009.

With experience on the European stage in the Superstock 1000 Championship, as well as credits in the Finnish Supersport Championship, Pekkanen is excited to have been given the opportunity to graduate to the Superbike class.

"It is an exciting time for me as this season I will be riding a new bike, in a new championship so this is a big challenge for me personally," he told the BSB website. "The Suzuki will feel so much different to the KTM I rode last season, but I think it will be a good progression for me and we have some pre-season testing planned so we will have got to grips with the bike before the opening round.

"I had been assessing my options for this season but to race in BSB Evo is definitely the better career path for me, and to be part of the championship will give me more exposure and I will learn more from the experience.

"I have wanted to run in BSB Evo since it was announced and we are pleased that we have finally been able to confirm our plans for the 2010 season."

Pekkanen is the third rider from the European mainland to commit to the Evo class, following fellow Scandinavian Hampus Johansson and Hungarian David Juhasz. Pekkanen is the 29th rider to be confirmed to the overall BSB grid.