WorldSSP300 Returns with a bang
Heading into its second season, we take a look at the 2018 line up
Hosting a grid of 40 riders in the Pirelli Aragon Round for the debut FIM Supersport 300 World Championship round of 2018, the grid is preparing for a phenomenal opening round of edge of your seat racing action. Last season’s opener saw the top four riders be covered by one second over the line and with new bikes, new riders and new teams, this season will be no different.
Spanish sensation Daniel Valle returns this season alongside rookie Maria Herrera in the BCD Yamaha MS Racing team, and the duo have a wealth of knowledge in the world of racing. On-board the championship winning YZF-R3, they will no doubt set the field alight with their competitive racing, as Herrera will be gunning to be the second woman to take a world championship race victory.
Dutch duo of Robert Schotman and Scott Deroue will take on the new Ninja 400 machine with Motoport Kawasaki, as the two rising stars look to make an impact on the 2018 season. Deroue was the debut winner in the category last season but had a tough end to his campaign, so he will be looking for a more consistent year, whilst Schotman continues to learn and develop his riding.
Indonesian hero Galang Hendra Pratama secured a permanent ride with BIBLION YAMAHA MOTOXRACING for 2018, and will be hoping to repeat his stunning victory at Jerez last season. With two seasons in the Asian Production 250cc behind him, he will be competitive on the YZF-R3 and will be one to watch as the season gets underway.
Another rider to switch colours this season is Ana Carrasco, as she moves over to the DS Junior Team but sticks with Kawasaki, the same manufacturer with which she made history with in 2017 after becoming the first woman in history to win a world championship race. Heading into her second full time season, she will be no doubt be building on her confidence to repeat this.
Welcoming the successful Racedays team into WorldSSP300, South African Dino Iozzo will be at the helm of the CBR500R this season as he looks at making his debut in the class. With a short amount of experience in national championships, it will be a learning curve season for the 16 year old.
KTM are bringing in a strong force this season, with four RC 390 R machines on the grid, all hoping to be fighting up at the front in the highly competitive class. Signing Glenn van Straalen, who secured a podium finish in his wild card appearance last season, they are preparing for a strong year with their vast array of riders.
Don’t miss the 40 riders battle it out around the undulating MotorLand circuit for the first time of 2018, as action begins on Friday 13th April at 11.45LT (+2 GMT), before the fight for pole intensifies at 11.30 on Saturday with Superpole and the main event – race day at 14.20LT on Sunday.
