Former MotoGP and WorldSBK star Hector Barbera will join Luke Mossey in the OMG Racing squad to contest next year’s Bennetts British Superbike series on BMW S1000RRs.
The Spaniard has a wealth of experience as a race winner in both the 125cc and 250cc World Championship Grand Prix classes, finishing second in the 2009 250cc GP title battle. He later moved to the premier MotoGP championship where he was the 2015 Open class champion.
Last season, the Spaniard settled in the midfield and showed glimpses of his talent with a top 10 at Donington Park, as well as a strong points haul at Snetterton and Assen.
“I’m delighted to remain in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and to join OMG Racing for 2020. Last year I started part-way through the season and that was a big challenge, there was a lot of learning to do in a very short space of time – without testing,” said Barbera.
“And for the last few races I didn’t have an experienced crew chief, so we were basically starting from scratch at each round.
After 16 years in different championships where only four or five teams have a realistic shot at winning, British Superbikes is a special series to compete in because of how open and competitive it is. Any number of riders and manufacturers can win – which is to me unlike any series in the world.
“The fans are also incredibly passionate, I am still learning a lot about racing over here but to see so many people who want to talk to me and make me feel welcome is something I’ve enjoyed since starting over in the UK.
“I’ll be working hard this winter to arrive at testing in the best shape possible and I know the team is already hard at work to develop the bike.
“I have respect for all the teams and the riders competing in this championship but I’m here to win. I have the experience, I have shown that I am a fast rider, and I’m ready for battle.
“Thank you to OMG Racing for this opportunity, they are a young and exciting team, but are hungry to win like me and have lots of experienced staff who I can work with to improve. Thanks also to my personal sponsors and to Bournemouth Kawasaki for the opportunity to ride for them last season.”
