TAS Racing will switch to BMW power for their 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship campaign, with riders Tommy Bridewell and Michael Laverty ready to battle for title glory.
Bridewell had his strongest season to date in 2014, snatching third place in the overall standings, scoring his first MCE BSB race win at Cadwell Park and a further five podium finishes. The Devizes rider previously raced a BMW during 2012 with the Supersonic team, qualifying for the Showdown.
Laverty, a previous MCE BSB title contender, returns to the championship after two seasons in MotoGP. He has already scored a title victory with the TAS Racing team, taking the British Supersport crown in 2007 before he and the team stepped up to MCE BSB together in 2008. He qualified for the MCE BSB Showdown in three consecutive seasons.
The team will also return to the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship with double British Champion Alastair Seeley.
Bridewell said: “I am really looking forward to working with the TAS team and we obviously have high expectations as the BMW is a phenomenal bit of kit. The BMW was always my chosen bike for next season as I know how strong it was on track this year with Kiyonari. It is exciting to be a part of the team with their support from Germany. I think I will be really happy with the team next season and when I enjoy racing I am a faster rider.
“I want to come back in 2015 and build on what I achieved this year. We definitely expect to be up the front and fighting for the championship because I know one hundred percent that we are capable of that. I was third in the championship this year, so my aim is to go better than that next year!”
Laverty said: “I am really excited about being back in the championship with TAS next year. I have spent a few years in the World Championship but I am looking forward to coming back. I think the experience has made me a better rider but I have definitely missed being in a position to fight for wins and podiums.
“The TAS team have a great package with the BMW and we are going to be working hard together so that we can come out of the blocks fast from the start of the season. Everyone knows it is a tough championship with the depth of field but we will be in the best possible position as everyone has seen what the BMW is capable of with Kiyo this year. I can't wait to start testing - we know the BMW is a match for any bike on the grid and I am really looking forward to showing what we can do with it.”
Team Manager Philip Neill commented: “It really is a great honour for TAS Racing to be chosen by BMW Motorrad to spearhead their official racing efforts in 2015, and everyone involved has been very supportive in helping us put the correct package together.
“Although our agreement is with BMW Motorrad in the UK, the support we have received from BMW in Germany is already very encouraging. We will have full support from the factory both technically and personnel-wise next season to help us achieve our goals.
“We put a lot of thought into our rider line up for 2015 and as always the goal is to win races. We fully expect to be championship contenders in British Superbike and the National Superstock class next season racing BMW's S 1000 RR.”
