Pedercini: We will be on 2020 World Superbike grid

Following Team Pedercini Racing’s provisional inclusion on the 2020 World Superbike championship team entry list, the team has moved to outline its plans.

Pedercini had been expected to stick with a one-bike WorldSBK entry having announced Lorenzo Savadori as its rider for this year. But after losing key sponsors over the winter the team’s immediate future has been plunged into doubt. Savadori has also been linked to an Aprilia MotoGP test rider role as part of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Andrea Iannone after his anti-doping case.

The Italian team has been included on the 2020 World Superbike entry list, albeit with its rider unconfirmed, which has led to team manager Lucio Pedercini releasing a statement about its plans to confirm it intent to make the pre-season Phillip Island test ahead of the opening round at the Australia circuit on 28 February-1 March.

“We are evaluating,” Lucio Pedercini said. “With the staff of professional experts I trust, all organisational details and meetings made, I can say to be confident for 2020, both in terms of organisation, and competitiveness of the team, that we will be back to dress the green black livery of Kawasaki.

“I thank all those who have been and who are close to the team right now, and the organiser who understood the moment we put behind, our despite, ready to restart stronger than before.

“As soon as the last details are defined, we will announce the plans and the new sponsors that will accompany in the next championship the Team Pedercini Racing.”

While 20 riders are confirmed on this year’s World Superbike grid, MIE Racing Honda’s presence also remains uncertain having been hit by funding issues ahead of the 2020 season.