As the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship prepares to return following the summer break, Pedercini Racing SC-Project have announced Riccardo Russo will step in to replace Alex De Angelis.

Sitting in 17^th position in the championship standings, the San Marinese rider had a tough start to the season onboard the ZX-10RR and his relationship with the Italian team came to an end. Lucio Pedercini was then able to speak with Russo, who has a lot of experience in the WorldSBK paddock and with the team. Beginning work for the Prosecco DOC German Round already, the team are looking forward to a solid end to the 2017 season. With Russo securing a podium finish at Lausitzring in the European Superstock 1000 class last season, the team will be heading into the round with a lot of confidence.

Russo is understandably thrilled to already be back in the WorldSBK paddock, and explains his goals with his new team: “I’m very happy I found a new and important opportunity to show what I can do with a competitive bike as the one of Team Racing SC-Project. I want to thank everybody for believing in me, a special thank to Lucio Pedercini, the whole Team and Sergio Giordano that allowed me to have this great opportunity. I will do my best to be competitive from the start.”

In a similar tone, team manager Pedercini is looking forward to the remainder of the season: “After the resolution of the contract with Alex, I spoke with Riccardo, who in my opinion is a full character rider. He has grown professionally, with the desire of doing well and is willing to get out there and put himself into the hands of the team. The whole team will start working together with the rider straight away before Germany, where Riccardo will race for the first time on the Kawasaki ZX10RR. I’m sure everybody will do their best.”

Prepare for the return of WorldSBK at Lausitzring from 18^th – 20^th August, as racing action resumes. Follow all the summer progress with the WorldSBK VideoPass ahead of all news from the weekend.