Marvel HCL Motorsport has announced a move to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship grid for the 2024 season, joining forces with Rapid Training and Honda Racing UK to become Rapid Honda for the 2024 season and with young gun Franco Bourne.
Bourne won the British Talent Cup in 2020 and also finished runner up in the Pirelli National Junior Superstock Championship in 2022 before tasting success with the Marvel HCL Motorsport Team in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship. Bourne then deputised for Andrew Irwin in the Honda Racing UK team last year whilst he was sidelined with a testing injury.
Franco rejoined the Marvel HCL Motorsport team for the final two rounds of 2023 on a pathway specification Fireblade, claiming an incredible sixth place on the team’s debut in the class.
Bourne said: “Last season was a big year for me and the team did a brilliant job helping me achieve some excellent results. Honda also gave me a fantastic opportunity on their Superbike and I was just starting to really get to grips with it when Andrew returned from injury, so I am especially pleased that Honda are continuing to support me as a young rider and getting the chance of a full season on the Superbike with Rapid Honda Racing UK.”
Matt Bainbridge, Marvel HCL Motorsport Team Manager commented: “We believe Franco has the talent to make it to the highest level of motorcycle racing and want to give him the best possible opportunity to showcase his ability. To make that happen we’ve joined forces with Rapid, the UK’s leading rider coaching company, and Honda Racing to ensure we have the best equipment available in a full superbike spec Fireblade combined with the best coaching support to really nurture Franco on and off track.
“I think we turned a lot of heads and surprised a few people last season, but we know we need to raise our game again stepping up to Bennetts British Superbikes full time in 2024. The level of competition is intense but we are already making improvements all round to be ready for the 2024 season.”