Renegade and Red Bull to unite in BSB.

Team Renegade Ducati has ended weeks of speculation by confirming that Red Bull is to join forces with the team as title sponsor for the 2003 British Superbike Championship.

In a unique association, Renegade has also secured the on-going support of Highland Spring mineral water, together with it's other sponsor partners including Travelodge, Facom tools and Flannels stores.

Although the styling of the team's bikes is yet to be decided, Red Bull will be the dominant brand, and following a series of creative meetings, a brief has been prepared for the company's design agency that will be requested to present initial images within a matter of weeks.

The news completes a hectic period of activity for Renegade. Having recently announced the signing of Sean Emmett to partner Michael Rutter, the team has subsequently confirmed the capture of up and coming youngster Nick Medd as a third Superbike rider, along with Leon Haslam who will spearhead Renegade's assault on the British Supersport Championship aboard a Ducati 748. The team has also been successful in securing factory 998 Testastretta's direct from Ducati's Bologna headquarters that will be piloted by Rutter and Emmett.

Commenting on the announcement, team owner Mark Griffiths made the following statement: "I am naturally proud that a brand of the international stature of Red Bull has chosen to partner Team Renegade Ducati.

"Despite the fact that we are still a new team to the series, our performances on and off the track have not gone unnoticed and it is a significant endorsement of Renegade that we have earned the respect and admiration of Red Bull in deciding to partner us. I believe that we will make a formidable team."

Speaking on behalf of Red Bull UK, Linda Pelham Motorsports Manager said: "Last season's combination of Sean Emmett's awesome performance and Renegade's professionalism in their first year, created the perfect opportunity for Red Bull to re-enter British superbikes. After a year of raising the profile of the 125cc class with our Red Bull Rookies team, we are really excited about the prospects for Renegade in next year's race season."