Buildbase BMW British Superbike team boss Stuart Hicken has teamed up with former racer and Pirelli honcho Eddie Roberts to take over the running of Mallory Park.

Hicken, whose team is based at the Leicestershire circuit, started racing in the late 1960s and then managed successful racing teams for others before setting up his own Hawk Racing squad. Stuart’s career also included several years at Mallory Park.

Roberts owns Complog, a leading worldwide retailer of motorcycle tyres that also supplies the British Superbike series. He enjoyed a twenty year racing career that saw him compete in many events including Gr and Prix and the Isle of Man TT. Together they have formed Real Motorsport Ltd.

In a statement, the pair said: "This is a great day for us both. We have grown up with Mallory Park, firstly as spectators, then as competitors and now running businesses associated with the sport.

"We realise that there is a lot of bridge building to be done with the local community, but Mallory Park has been here for a long time and we are hopeful that with understanding all round it will have a long and successful future.

"We would like to thank circuit owner Chris Meek for giving us the opportunity of re- establishing Mallory Park and also Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for advice regarding noise issues and the community."

Roberts and Hicken will now set upon a programme of works to get the circuit into shape for the forthcoming season and are planning on staging their first race meeting in the spring, together with a programme of practice and track hire days.