Bennetts British Superbike champion Bradley Ray has confirmed that he will compete in the European rounds of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship in 2023.
Following a stellar title-winning BSB season that included nine wins and 23 podiums, Ray will now have the opportunity to show his talents on the world stage, joining the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK team.
Ray won the Bennetts BSB crown aboard a Yamaha R1 machine with OMG Racing, and his WorldSBK graduation means the British contender remains with the marque for a second season, and will compete in front of his home crowd at Donington Park on 30 June-2 July 2023.
It won't be the first time that Ray has contested the WorldSBK championship, with the Kent-born racer scoring points as a wildcard at the 2018 Donington round, but he now has the chance to challenge for strong results on championship-winning machinery with the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team.
"After what's been an incredible debut year with Yamaha in the UK delivering nine wins and 23 podiums in part one of my career quest to become British Superbike Champion, I'm absolutely delighted that Yamaha have rewarded me with this opportunity to take the next step with the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team," Ray said.
"I've dreamed of being World Superbike Champion since my race debut at three years old and I'm only too aware that it wouldn't be possible without the support of a manufacturer like Yamaha and the team I have around me. I'm very keen to get started in WorldSBK and hope to follow in the footsteps of many of the successful Brits in the championship. It's time to take aim for that next title, step by step!"
Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager added:"Yamaha is fully committed to giving our riders from the national championships the opportunity to race on the world championship stage. After an incredible first season on the R1 in British Superbikes, Bradley has shown that he fully deserves his spot on the WorldSBK grid in 2023.
"We've seen over the years that he has fantastic race craft and consistency that allowed him to win the title this year. We are sure that he will be able to adapt quickly, as he has been able to throughout his career so far. The Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team are sure to give him the best possible chance to challenge for strong results."
Tickets for the UK WorldSBK round at Donington Park are available at earlybird prices until 31 January. Click here to book or for more information.