By Sam Farrington
Christian Iddon
Christian Iddon has announced that he will once again be riding for the Oxford TAG Triumph squad in his challenge for the 2012 British Supersport crown. The former nine-time British Supermoto Champion and World No.3, from High Peak in Derbyshire, impressed many last term and will be looking build on a successful campaign.
In what was his first full season in the British Supersport Championship, and only his second full season of road racing, Iddon took a few rounds to acclimatise to the new bike and an unfamiliar team. After a challenging start to the season, Iddon soon found his form aboard the Oxford TAG Triumph, scoring five podiums on his way to equal 5th in the overall championship standings.
Iddon will line up as one of five Oxford TAG Triumph riders on the British Supersport grid this year. The team have also retained the services of Paul Young and Shaun Winfield; Gary Winfield makes the step up from British 125GPs; and they will be joined by 2011 National Superstock Champion Richard Cooper.
Iddon: “There were a couple of options on the table, in both Supersport and Superbike, but I wanted to stay with Oxford TAG Triumph. Obviously I know the quality of the team from last season and I can be sure that the Triumphs are going to be a competitive package again.”
“We put together an impressive run of form over the second half of the season which has given everyone the confidence that we can challenge again this term. I didn’t quite manage to get a race win last year, although we did come very close at Donington, so that will be a target this year for sure.”
“The team have been working really hard over the course of the winter, the bikes are looking great and on paper the guys have made some huge steps forward. If the bikes perform as well on track as they have on the bench then we are going to be in a really good place.”
“The Oxford TAG Triumph line-up is really strong again. I worked well with [Paul] Youngy last year and I get on well with [Richard] Cooper on a personal level . He comes in as a Champion, so his pedigree speaks for itself. I can continue to learn and develop by working alongside such experienced riders, whilst hopefully pushing myself to next level in what is certainly going to be a competitive class. I can wait to get back out on track and I’m sure the season will produce some very exciting racing.”
“I am really happy to retain the fantastic backing of Silicone Engineering and Pemberton Tyres, who have both provided incredible support in my racing career so far. Their support has been instrumental in the opportunities I have had and for that I am incredibly grateful. Also, I am pleased to announce the added help of Close Brothers Asset Finance, Dunsley Heat and The Fireplace New Mills. It’s great to have each of them on board and I really hope they enjoy the year ahead.”
“I am also happy to have plenty of technical support with Sidi, Alpina, DCR and Salice all continuing. Forcefield Body Armour will also be helping out as will Nutri, who are supplying me with all the supplements and nutritional advice I need to keep me in top shape.”
The 2012 British Supersport Championship is set to be contested over 12 rounds, with a sprint race and a feature race at each. In addition to all of the top British circuits, this year will also see the series pay visit to one of Europe’s most iconic motorsport venues, the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands. The season opener will take place at Brands Hatch, in Kent, over the Easter weekend.
