RiccardoRusso

Italian Russo is not short of experience within the WorldSBK paddock and enters the class for the second time in his career, this time with Guandalini Racing. The 24 year old made his debut in the World Superbike series in 2010, in the now concluded Superstock 600 class. He spent three seasons in the feeder class, which saw him narrowly miss out on the title in his final season, taking four victories and finishing runner-up in the class.

Russo then moved into the World Supersport class in 2013, where he struggled with consistency but was also able to finish in the top six in his debut season. Beginning 2014 in World Supersport, he then ended the season up in the World Superbike series where he secured some points scoring finishes. 2015 saw the Italian back in WorldSSP as he again struggled with consistency. Competing in five STK1000 races in 2016, Russo made an impression in the tough category by securing a podium at Lausitzring and a handful of fourth positions. Gelling so well with the Yamaha YZR R1 in the STK1000 class, Russo should feel comfortable making the step up to WorldSBK with the Japanese machine.