Danny Webb to WSS with PTR, replaces Morais
PTR Honda has announced that Moto 3 rider Danny Webb will join its team for the remainder of the 2013 World Supersport Championship season, replacing the departed Sheridan Morais.
The 22-year-old has been a mainstay of the junior grand prix class since making his full-time debut in 2007, Webb beginning in 125GP before progressing to the new Moto3 class in 2012. However, results have been mixed during that period, his best overall result coming in 2010 aboard the Andalucia Cajasol Aprilia.
After failing to score in 2012 with the burgeoning Mahindra team, Webb began the 2013 Moto3 season with Ambrogio Racing but, after suffering a broken wrist in an accident at Assen in June, has now formally parted ways with the team after seven rounds together.
As a result, Webb will chase a new challenge for the remainder of 2013 by joining PTR Honda's five-strong team, the youngster making his debut at the Nurburgring.
"I am disappointed with the way things have gone in Moto3 but there are reasons for it and now I want to focus all my efforts and energies on a new challenge - the World Supersport Championship.
"I have never ridden a Supersport machine before so it will be a steep learning curve. I haven't ridden at the Nurburgring before either, but I can learn fast. I am super motivated, more than ever, to show what I can do.
"PTR is a title challenging race team and I want to show what I can do on what is clearly a very competitive bike. Having an English team around me will help as well, I am absolutely sure. I am excited and can't wait to get racing."
Webb's appointment comes as the expense of PTR Honda's lead rider Morais, who has endured a series of issues this season, most recently at Silverstone when he failed to score after the electronics on his bike failed to work.
Despite Morais's exit, which leaves PTR with a five fairly inexperienced riders heading up its challenge, team manager Simon Buckmaster is excited to be bringing Webb to the 600cc class.
"Danny is joining a new team in a new Championship on a bike with different tyres and power characteristics than he is used to. He will start at a new track he has never raced before. Our expectations for Nurburgring are to get good settings and to know Danny better - after that we will see what results his talent and ability can achieve.
"PTR thanks Sheridan for his efforts this year and wishes him well for the future."
