PBM Ducati owner Paul Bird is putting his worst ever racing season behind him, starting with the sale of a racebike to Bake-Off star Paul Hollywood.

Hollywood has just become the proud owner of one of the V4R Ducatis raced, until a few days ago, by Josh Brookes and Tom Sykes and to be replaced by new models for 2023.

Followed by millions of TV viewers, the aptly-named Hollywood is also a motor sport participant competing with some success on four wheels in Aston Martins and for three years partnering top female driver Jamie Chadwick.

But latterly, his enthusiasm for two wheels has grown and in particular for Ducatis and the Paul Bird team with whom he has struck up a strong relationship attending race meetings and launch events. So the opportunity to buy a Panigale V4R for his track days was not to be missed.

The amount paid for what is a collector’s dream has not been disclosed but you can bet it is in six figure territory. But the great value for a team, which some thought might have difficulty making the starting grid next year, is not a monetary one. Hollywood is a star but with the experience of working in the most famous kitchens all round the world.

And that together with a genuine interest and knowledge of racing makes it easy for him to mix with anybody and everybody. There will certainly be an interesting mix of people in the PBM hospitality unit next year which, at some rounds may have a distinctive Bake-Off flavour or even a demonstration.

And to enhance the appeal of his new backer, the reputation of the owner and new riders, eye catching hospitality units are being sought making sure the PBM team is not to be missed on the track or in the paddock.