Racing Steps Foundation 2011 preview

The Racing Steps Foundation is widening its 125GP remit to include a two-rider assault on the Spanish CEV Buckler Championship in 2011.

The move is part of the RSF's strategy to create a rational and suitably-resourced route to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing for its riders.

The new continental campaign will run in parallel with a single rider entry in the BSB-supporting British series.

The rider line-up comprises last year's RSF-backed pairing of Fraser Rogers (15) and Wayne Ryan (14) and fellow 2010 British 125GP competitor John McPhee (16).

For 2011 Rogers and McPhee step up to the seven-round CEV Buckler Championship while Ryan stays on for a second year in the 12-race British series.

All three will continue to compete with Mark Keen's front-running KRP squad.

New recruit McPhee and team mate Rogers both have previous experience of the strength of competition that awaits in Spain having raced in the final two rounds of the 2010 CEV Championship and the UEM European Championship at Albacete.

McPhee also competed in the Valencia round of last year's 125GP World Championship after winning a wild-card entry.

"When last year we announced our intention to provide support for British riders as well as drivers, we made it clear that our goal was to create a stairway to the top tier of motorcycle racing for riders with the talent and determination to get there," said RSF founder Graham Sharp.

"And, step-by-step, that is precisely what we're putting in place with KRP.

"First to benefit from this strategy as it starts to take shape are Fraser Rogers and new signing John McPhee.

"Both riders gave strong accounts of themselves with KRP in the British championship and in the last two rounds of the CEV series where they showed they have what it takes to be competitive when they hit Spain in April for the start of their campaign.

"Wayne Ryan also flagged up the potential that attracted RSF backing last year. But at his age, we believe it is better for him to experience a second year in the British series so he can hone his technique and race craft.

"Without doubt he's got the talent to be challenging for podiums this year."

KRP will run newly-purchased Aprilia RS125s for the Spanish campaign. Honda 125s, with modified chassis, will be used by Ryan and new KRP team mate Callum Bey (12) in the British series.

-source: rsf