Saturday, December 10 2011
Jessopp, the Former Riders Ducati British Superbike competitor, will partner Sam Lowes in the PTR Honda Team when he makes the switch to World Supersport Championship for 2012.
In 2011, Jessopp finished ahead of the likes of Josh Brookes at Silverstone and tried his luck at WSS, Magny-Cours alongside Gino Rea on the Step Honda. Although he didn’t make it on to the grid after his 2011 season, he is determined to take a good stab at it next year.
The 26 year olds first outing on his PTR Honda will take place early in the New Year at a private test in Europe, before further testing at Philip Island, Australia ahead of the 2012 Championship opening round begins at the same circuit on February 26th.
Jessopp: “I am over the moon to have 2012 all sorted. I said at the end of the 2011 season my objective was to get into the World Championship and Supersport was my best opportunity. I sat down with my team and Riders and we wanted a squad at the sharp end of the Championship so I would know I had a good bike and proven package.
“The British Based PTR team was my number one choice and to get a ride with them was brilliant – it’s not often that a racer gets his first choice so I can honestly say I could not be happier.
“There are no expectations at the moment but I will put plenty of pressure on myself as the season approaches. I just need to go testing and complete loads of laps and learn the bike and develop my relationship with the team. It is all new to me and I need to go out there and get up to pace.
“Having a fast team mate like Sam Lowes on the same PTR Honda will be excellent. I enjoyed a bit of craic with Sam at Magny Cours this year when I was a wild card entry and he was helping me out then with some advice and ideas. That’s a big help and a fantastic support from him and the team. I can’t wait to get riding.”
