Barbera stays in BSB with OMG Racing BMW

Hector Barbera has chosen to stay in the Bennetts British Superbike championship with a move to OMG Racing BMW alongside Luke Mossey for 2020.

After switching to BSB with Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki last year, initially as Ben Currie’s injury replacement before taking Glenn Irwin’s spot after the Northern Irish rider left the team, Barbera will remain in the domestic series with the new-look OMG Racing squad which switches from Suzuki to BMW machinery next year.

Barbera claimed four top 10 finishes across his truncated 2019 BSB campaign and accepts it was a “big challenge” learning a new series and new circuits having moved to the championship midway through the year after splitting from Team Toth Yamaha in the World Supersport championship after three rounds.

“I’m delighted to remain in the Championship and to join OMG Racing for 2020. Last year I started during the season and that was a big challenge, there was a lot of learning to do in a very short space of time – without testing, so we were starting from scratch at each round,” Barbera said.

“After 16 years in different championships where only four or five teams have a realistic shot at winning, BSB is a special series to compete in because of how open and competitive it is. Any number of riders and manufacturers can win – which is to me unlike any series in the world.

“The fans are also incredibly passionate; I am still learning a lot about racing over here but to see so many people who want to talk to me and make me feel welcome is something I’ve enjoyed since starting over in the UK.

“I’ll be working hard this winter to arrive at testing in the best shape possible and I know the team is already hard at work to develop the bike. I have respect for all the teams and the riders competing in this championship but I’m here to win. I have the experience, I have shown that I am a fast rider, and I’m ready for battle.”