Brands Hatch hosts the season opener of Ducati 848 Challenge

Following its inaugural season in 2010, the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge returns to Brands Hatch this weekend for the first round of the most eagerly awaited one-make series in the UK.
 
Never before have British race fans witnessed a Ducati Superbike-only race series and this weekend BSB will host what is sure to be a stunning spectacle as Brands Hatch reverberates to the sound of a grid full of 848 Evos.
 
With the full backing of Ducati UK and title sponsors Rapid Solicitors, the series will be contested over eight rounds at some of the UK and Europe’s most famous circuits. As an Official Support Series of the British Superbike championship, the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge will be racing will be racing at  Brands Hatch, Thruxton, Cadwell Park and Silverstone, but, uniquely, will also take time out to race at Assen and Monza.
 
The Challenge opener this weekend will see a number of riders looking to score early points over their rivals, not least last season’s Champion Darren Fry and runner-up Leon Morris. They will be challenged by ex-BSB Cup rider Kenny Gilbertson, past National Superstock riders Mark Andrew, Aaron Brown, Robbie Brown, and Ricky Holden, Manx GP riders Andy Kirkwood and Barry Poll and former British Supersport Champion Mike Edwards. Experienced single-make champions and contenders Mark Cheetham, Ross Connolly, Clint De Tarnowsky and Peter Hasler are sure to feature, as will former National Endurance champion Dean Skipper and long-time Ducati racers, Stuart Poyser and Dan Cruikshank.
 
Russian rider Alexey Ivanov, will have a busy season ahead as he competes in both the 848 Challenge and Spanish Moto2, while the Moto Rapido Ducati team will also have their hands full with Jamie Poole aboard their 848 Challenge bike in addition to their BSB EVO entry.
 
Maria Costello, MBE will ride the Ducati UK VIP bike, racing a Ducat for the first time in her career.
 
Ex-World Champion and Series Ambassador Carl Fogarty will be on hand at Brands Hatch to offer advice to the riders, present trophies, and mingle with fans of the 848 Challenge.
 
The 848 Challenge takes place at Brands Hatch during Easter Weekend 23-25 April.
 
Race 1 - Sunday 24 April 2.30 pm
 
Race 2 - Monday 25 April 2.25pm