Bussei steps in for Rizla Suzuki.

Italian Giovanni Bussei is to replace injured Karl Harris in the next two rounds of the MCN British Superbike Championship. He will ride the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Snetterton on June 2nd and Brands Hatch on June 16th.

Australian racer Mark Willis was originally due to replace Harris but is now unable to compete in the UK owing to personal commitments.

Twenty-nine year-old Bussei has experience of life in the fast lane having won for Suzuki Italia in the World Supersport series in 1997 and 1998 and in the Italian Superbike Series in 1996 and 2000.

No stranger to Suzuki's machinery, Giovanni raced the GSX-R750 to victory in the Italian Suzuki Cup and is looking forward to getting to grips with the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 and testing its full potential.

Team Manager Paul Denning said: "Although we are disappointed that Mark will not be able to join us, we are very pleased to have signed Giovanni and excited about the opportunities ahead.

"Giovanni is a very talented racer and has had success with Suzuki in the past. He is really riding at his best at the moment and is familiar with the Brands Hatch circuit having raced there in his Superbike days. Such track knowledge will stand him in good stead for the June16th round.

"We are hoping that Karl will be fighting fit for Rockingham on June the 23rd but will re-assess the situation nearer the time."