Vivaldi enters BSB with McGuinness, Wilson.

After finishing third in the 2004 British Superstock championship with Ben Wilson, Vivaldi Racing have today confirmed that they will graduate to the premier British Superbike class next season.

Vivaldi will enter a two rider team with veteran John McGuinness joining Wilson on the team's new Kawasakis for a full championship campaign. The team will be relying on McGuinness to use all his experience to direct the team towards the best tyre selection and set up - and help guide Wilson in his rookie Superbike season.

"Having secured my ride so early for next season is an added bonus as I have plenty of time to settle in and get to know the new team," said McGuinness, who rode a partial season for Hawk Kawasaki in 2004 (middle pic). "I can now focus on next year and concentrate on getting myself in good shape for the opening race for Vivaldi Racing.

"It is all very exciting being involved in a brand new venture and, as my last sponsor was a chicken farmer and Vivaldi is a potato, I look forward to chicken and chips from now on!" joked the road racing ace.

"I am looking forward to the new venture and the opportunity to work with John McGuinness," added Wilson. "I hope to be able to draw on his experience to help me settle in to the new bike."

Meanwhile, Vivaldi will also continue in the British Superstock championship with two new riders - Tristan Palmer and Ollie Bridewell - the latter a graduate of the 2004 Virgin Mobile R6 Cup and a third year student of the ACU Race Academy.

The team state that Bridewell was chosen for his 'talent and determination', while Palmer is a proven Superstock rider, having completed 2004 in fourth place and, as well as mounting his own title challenge, is well equipped to assist his new team-mate.

"I am very pleased to welcome John McGuinness on board with Vivaldi Racing and I am sure that he and Ben will make a formidable partnership to contest the British Superbike Championship and also to Ollie and Tristan who will be flying the flag for Vivaldi Racing in the Superstock series," stated team manager Richard Wilson.