Jessopp returns to BSB, switches to BMW

Martin Jessopp will ride a RidersMotorcycles.com BMW S1000RR in the 2013 MCE British Superbike Championship, it has been announced.

Ollie Barstow

09 Jan 2013

Following a season spent on the World Supersport stage, Martin Jessopp and the RidersMotorcycles.com team has announced it will return to the MCE British Superbike Championship in 2013 with BMW machinery.

The 27-year-old has been a mainstay on the BSB scene over the years, enjoying his best season to date in 2011 when he notched up a series of strong top ten finishes, but a switch to the World Supersport Championship with PTR Honda in 2012 yielded precious little success and only a single point to his name.

As such, Jessopp will return to both the UK and Superbike machinery in 2013, albeit aboard a BMW S1000RR having spent much of his BSB tenure on the Ducati twin.

Competing under the RidersMotorcycles.com banner once again, Jessopp says he is pleased to be on the comeback trail, adding that he is confident he can challenge for the 'Title Showdown' this year on the vastly improved S1000RR.

"I have unfinished business in BSB and that is why I want to get back out there again," he said. "I think I took a year away at the wrong time in hindsight; at the time it was for the right reasons but I left when I was at my strongest position in the championship. It feels good to be back and on a competitive bike and everyone has seen that the BMW is a strong package in BSB.

"I want to start the season and straight away pick up where we left off; there is no time to settle in and get comfortable but because I have raced the BMW before I don't think it will be an issue. We have the bikes stripped down at the moment and planning our test schedule so we can be ready for Brands Hatch. I want to be back up and fighting at the front and definitely pushing for the Showdown."

Despite Jessopp's tough year on the international stage, team owner Phil Jessopp believes his experiences will only make his rider stronger on his BSB return.

"I am pleased to announce that the team will be back in the British Superbike Championship this season after a tough year in 2012. We really are looking forward to the new season and pushing to try and improve on our previous results in the championship.

"Martin has learnt a lot and I think that will benefit him this season. We are now looking forward to our first test with the BMW; the bike clearly has strong potential in the championship and we are feeling confident about the forthcoming season."