MotoGP rider James Ellison's preparations for the 2013 racing season have taken a major step forward with the confirmation of two important new sponsorship deals.
The Cumbrian has welcomed YouWin and BodyHelix Europe on board as he prepares to take another step forward on the world stage. Next year, he will build on the wealth of experience he has developed during the roller coaster 2012 season with assistance from his new sponsors.
"My plans for 2013 are gathering pace now, and the partnerships with YouWin and BodyHelix Europe are another boost towards what promises to be a truly exciting season of racing," James said.
Riding for the British Paul Bird Motorsport outfit, the 31-year-old has this year regularly finished in the top 15 racing alongside premier class stars like Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner, including a fighting 11th place at the demanding Le Mans circuit in France.
Importantly, the former World Endurance and double European Superstock Champion has been among the leading riders in the newly introduced Claiming Rule Team regulations. As a new class, run for the first time in 2012, CRT has required riders to develop machinery during races and cope with the reliability issues expected with any innovative technology.
James's more than 15 years of national and international racing experience have helped PBMUK continually develop the Aprilia-based MotoGP motorcycle, as well as keeping the team at the sharp end of CRT competition, including his CRT class win at the French Grand Prix.
Buoyed by his success in often tough conditions this year, James intends to make further steps forward in his Grand Prix career in 2013, with YouWin and BodyHelix Europe at his side.
"I knew being part of the debut season for the CRT rules would provide some unique challenges, but I also knew it would provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what I can do as a rider," James said.
"There have been some tough weekends, but every time we have taken to the track we have learned something and taken a step forward. I believe this season has seen me develop even further as a racer, and I will take this experience into the 2013 season, where I will show what I can really do."
"YouWin and BodyHelix Europe have recognised how much has been achieved in 2012, and, like me, are positive and excited for the rest of the year and the 2013 season. The San Marino Grand Prix at Misano is up next, and with this boost from my new partners I am as fired up as ever, and cannot wait to hit the track again," he added. "With the updates due from Aprilia, which will bring us even closer to our rivals, it looks like being a positive end to this season."
"I am fully focused on delivering everything I can on the track this year and putting in place everything we need to have the 2013 season my partners and I deserve. Linking up with YouWin and BodyHelix Europe is another major part of my plans for next year, a year which will produce the results I want."
The deals, agreed through Brendan Beeken of Sports Solutions & Management, come into immediate effect for the rest of the 2012 MotoGP season and the entire 2013 racing year.
