The Marvel HCL Motorsport team will step up to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship for the final two rounds of the season as the Pirelli National Superstock podium finishers line up with returning Franco Bourne on a Pathway specification Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
The Marvel HCL Motorsport team together with Bourne had a strong start to the season in the Superstock class, claiming three podium finishes including a victory. Bourne then made his Bennetts BSB debut when he deputised for Andrew Irwin, when the Honda Racing UK rider was injured during a test at Knockhill.
Bourne has been gaining vital experience with the Honda Racing UK team, scoring points whilst continuing learning in the Superbike class and now he will complete the season as he is reunited with his Marvel HCL Motorsport team.
The new BSB Pathway technical regulations were first tested at Oulton Park at the previous round and are designed to make entry to Bennetts BSB more accessible.
Bourne said: “Firstly I would like to thank Harv and everyone at Honda Racing UK for giving me the opportunity to cover for Andrew Irwin while he recovered from his injury, those opportunities don’t come around very often to ride for a Factory team and I think we started to show some of the potential on the Superbike.
“Now Andrew is recovered and back on the bike, I am looking forward to continuing my Superbike experience for the last two rounds with Marvel HCL Motorsport, on a Pathway spec Superbike to see what we can do against the established teams on their full blown Superbikes. We were very successful together on the Superstock bike at the beginning of the season, with three podiums from the first four rounds so I am looking forward to showing what we can do in Superbikes too.”
Matt Bainbridge, Marvel HCL Motorsport Director commented: “The feedback from everyone who rode the Pathway bike at the Oulton Park test was very positive so we didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to step up to Superbikes for the last two rounds on a Pathway spec bike.
“Superbikes is where Marvel HCL Motorsport wants to be in 2024, so it will be great experience for everyone to see where we need to be at before hopefully a full season next year. We know it is a huge step up and in terms of competition and experience, but we have learned a lot from being with Franco at Honda and although we are under no illusions as to the challenge ahead, we also feel we can put on a good show and can’t wait to get going at Donington Park.”