French youngster Florian Marino has made the jump from World Supersport to British Superbikes and will partner John Laverty in the Splitlath Redmond Aprilia team in 2012.
Marino (18) is a former European Superstock 600 runner up and spent one year in WSS with Ten Kate Honda before making the jump to lightspeed. He ended last season in eighth place which is no mean feat for a rookie.
"I am proud to come and ride in such a high level internationally recognised championship as the BSB”, he said. “I will approach this challenge with humility, take my time and above all finish the races thinking that each time I'll do better until I win," he said.
“Regarding my new team, I’m bringing with me the knowledge I’ve gained during my WSS experience and I won’t disappoint them. I appreciate the opportunity they’re giving me to ride in the BSB Championship knowing that I'm young and I’ll be learning a new class, a new bike and new tracks."
