Redding: BSB move was the first time something went to plan

Scott Redding says his season in the Bennetts British Superbike championship reignited his passion for racing and wants to harness that feeling as he steps into World Superbikes.

After capturing the BSB title in his rookie season, Redding moves on to the world stage with the factory Aruba.it Racing Ducati squad for 2020 to complete a remarkable turnaround when he had been considering quitting altogether less than 18 months ago.

Having become the youngest-ever Grand Prix race-winner when he broke into the spotlight with victory at Donington Park in the 125cc class back in 2008, Redding spent a decade in the GP paddock but after being axed by Aprilia the British rider looked for a complete restart – even if that meant stop racing.

Hungry to rediscover that winning feeling, with his last race victory coming at Silverstone in the 2013 British Moto2 round, Redding made the make-or-break move to BSB.

The switch paid off in style as he captured the BSB crown which has led to him joining the factory Ducati squad in World Superbikes for 2020.

Ahead of his rookie WorldSBK campaign, Redding reflected on his transformative 12 months and what it means for his future.

“I ended up doing the British Superbike Championship and that kind of kickstarted me again, emotionally. I got that fire for winning again,” Redding told WorldSBK.com.

“I didn’t go there thinking that I needed to finish in the top five. I needed to win. A lot of people thought: ‘well, that’s it, Scott’s finished, he ain’t gonna manage them tracks, he ain’t gonna do this’. I’m still that kid from Gloucester. If I need to race, I’ll do the best I can.

“It was the first time in my career that something actually went to plan. It was an amazing feeling that fired me up to come into World Superbike and try to do the same thing here. Now I do see that I have a longer career. And the experiences I have had in the past, even the hard times, are going to come into my strength in this paddock.”

Redding replaces fellow MotoGP expatriate Alvaro Bautista at the factory Ducati squad in WorldSBK but has continuity sticking with the V4 R Panigale while also bringing with him crew chief Giovanni Crupi from BSB.

The British rider’s primary target for 2020 will be no small feat, as he attempts to dethrone Jonathan Rea from his current WorldSBK domination, but if his instant speed from BSB transfers on to the world stage he could be writing further history.

“I’ve got a big season ahead of me and I want to be ready 100%,” he said. “If you want to fight to be the best, you’ve got to be ready for the best. And for me the best person is myself, so I want to try and beat myself every day. That’s all I can do from my side.

“I’ve got a team behind me and a bike manufacturer that has the potential to put us on the top.”