Red Bull Rookies Honda Confirms MotoGP Entry

08 July 2004

Red Bull Rookies Honda has confirmed that it will compete in this year's Cinzano British Motorcycle Grand Prix at Donington Park on 23-25 July.
 
Eugene Laverty has been entered for the 25-lap British 125cc Grand Prix on the Red Bull Rookies Honda RS125. After a successful season in the British 125GP Championship, the 18-year-old Ulsterman has earned a wild card entry and will compete against the world’s top riders.
 
The Toomebridge teenager is currently second in the Honda-dominated series after eight rounds. His stylish riding has collected three race wins, three pole positions and two other podium finishes. Such impressive performances mean that Laverty has caught the eye and certainly proved that his selection for the Red Bull Rookies Honda team was justified.
 
Karl Harris will also appear at the British GP on a Red Bull Rookies Honda CBR600RR in the supporting International Supersport race which will be run over the Grand Prix circuit. The 24-year-old Yorkshireman is currently defending his British Supersport Championship title with HM Plant Honda Racing – of which Red Bull is the principal sponsor.
 
Red Bull’s association with Harris, and the World MotoGP Championship, led to the offer to ride in the prestigious one-off, non-championship race. As part of the team’s commitment in nurturing young British talent in the sport and the aspirational nature of the project, Harris will also help Laverty to adapt and get the most out of his first World Championship event.
 
With his circuit knowledge and current form Harris will start as one of the favourites for the race. Currently, he leads this season's British Supersport Championship after winning four races, achieving four pole positions and grabbing three other podium places.
 
Eugene Laverty: "I really appreciate the opportunity to compete against the world’s best 125GP riders with Red Bull Rookies Honda.  This is a big chance for me to learn, gain experience and hopefully collect some points in my first Grand Prix.
 
"It is another stepping stone in my career and what I hope will be a bright future in the sport at British and World championship level. I'd like to thank Honda and Red Bull for their support and hope I can repay them by achieving my personal objectives during the course of the weekend."
 
Karl Harris: "It's no secret that I would like to advance my career beyond the British Supersport Championship.  My two years with Honda Racing and the CBR600RR have enabled me to gain more experience and confidence than ever before.
 
"I hope that I'll be able to bring this into play at Donington and share some of the benefit of my track record with Eugene. I'd like to help and advise him as he takes the next step up the ladder to compete in his first Grand Prix event with Red Bull Rookies Honda."
 

See series calendars for MotoGP 2004

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