World Supersport News: Wagner revved up for MV debut; Scott to Lorini Honda

Australian gun Aiden Wagner believes he’s made a huge step forward in signing with the all-new GRT Racing world supersport team for 2016, who he will debut with at Phillip Island’s round one from February 26-28.

The Queenslander will ride an MV Agusta F3 675 in the WorldSSP title alongside experienced Briton Gino Rea, with former GP rider Mirko Giansanti taking on a leading technical role within the Spanish GRT operation.

“I was approached by Gino Rea’s manager about coming into GRT Racing as we got along well together in the 2015 WorldSSP season as teammates,” said Wagner. “The two-rider team idea sounded great and to be on an MV for 2016 was really appealing. Once I met the rest of the team I knew it would be the right step forward.”

Wagner is genuinely excited about the prospect of racing the MV Agusta, which was particularly competitive in the hands of Frenchman Jules Cluzel in 2015, who was on the podium seven times for three wins.

“Jules has proven the capabilities of the machine,” continued Wagner. “I think I will be able to adapt quickly to the GRT bike and the three-cylinder engine as I do a lot of testing on a lot of different machinery so for me that’s no problem. Also, being a triple means more torque which should work in my favour being one of the taller supersport racers.”

With a solid pre-season to come alongside his Valencian-based team, plus a second year of WorldSSP on the horizon, Wagner is looking to really carve out some great results in 2016.

“I now know my way round about 70 percent of the circuits, so this will help for sure. I’m looking to stay well into the top 10, but I really would like to be in the top five.

“I’m planning to come into Phillip Island in peak fitness so hope to please the home crowd with some great battling and racing!”

As a wildcard, Wagner was 13th in the 2015 WorldSSP race at Phillip Island, one spot ahead of countryman Glenn Scott -who will also return to the production-based series in 2016.

Scott, 24, has signed with Team Lorini Italia Honda and will ride a CBR600RR in the championship.

“I am very excited to sign with Team Lorini as it’s an extremely professional outfit and are a very hard working team,” said Scott, from the Central Coast of NSW. “I have a very good feeling about my year ahead and this is a really positive step forward in my career.

“Lorini Honda has been racing and competing on the world stage for many years. The team has a wealth of knowledge in the World SSP class and I feel that this will be a massive boost for my 2016 campaign.

“I will be lucky enough to have a teammate this season, which I think will be a great advantage as I have never had one in the past, this will help with the development of the bike and my riding throughout the season.”

Teenage rookie Lachlan Epis (Kawasaki ZX-6R) will be the third Australian on the World SSP grid in 2016 in a locally funded campaign, while former GP rider Anthony West will also compete at Philip Island as a wildcard on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Visit www.ticketek.com.au for tickets to Australia’s 2016 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance round at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit from February 26-28. A three-day general admission pass is $115* per adult, Sunday $80* per adult, and kids 15 and under free**.

To make your world supers adventure super affordable, consider camping at the circuit for just $100* per person for four nights -with kids 15 and under free** when accompanied by a paying adult. The circuit campground is situated above Southern Loop with views across the circuit to Bass Strait. For more information, visit www.worldsbk.com.au.

* Advance ticket prices only, delivery and processing fees may apply.

**Children must be accompanied by a paying adult