Gamarino set for WSBK debut as Ruiu fill-in at Grillini Suzuki

Christian Gamarino will fill-in for the illegible Gabriele Ruiu for the opening five rounds of the 2018 World Superbike championship at Grillini Suzuki before handing over from Donington Park onwards.

17-year-old Ruiu isn’t allowed to compete in WSBK until he turns 18 but has still signed a deal to race for Grillini Suzuki in 2018 alongside team-mate Roberto Rolfo. As a result, Grillini has secured a deal with fellow Italian rider Gamarino to contest the opening five rounds of the 2018 campaign before the arrival of Ruiu.

It will mark Gamarino’s debut in WSBK having spent the past four seasons in the World Supersport championship and ended last season 11^th in the riders’ standings. Team boss Andrea Grillini is pleased to welcome the 23-year-old to the team on a short-term deal for the Australian, Thailand, Spanish, Dutch and Italian rounds.

“I have always kept an eye on Christian in the Supersport races, and this year we have created the opportunity to bring him to the team,” Grillini said. “Gamarino will race with the team the first five rounds of the Championship, and I'm sure he will do well.

“After many years I find myself having an all-Italian team, and I'm happy to give young talents the chance to challenge themselves in a championship as important as the WSSBK. I also thank Dorna who gave me the chance to secure a place on the starting grid for these guys.”

The 2018 World Superbike entry list was released earlier this week with Ruiu confirmed alongside Rolfo. Gamarino will continue to compete in the World Supersport championship in the Europe Supersport Cup class, meaning he’ll combine his efforts in both classes at Aragon, Assen and Imola before solely focusing on the 600cc class with Scuola Italiana Piloti MV Agusta.