Winchester-based Moto Rapido Ducati have confirmed they will run a two-bike squad in partnership with the Saudi Falcons racing team in the 2012 British Superbike Championship. Existing rider Scott Smart is to be joined by their racer Abdulaziz Binladen and both will be riding the new 1199 Panigale.

Ducati Corse have chosen to support Moto Rapido to race the new bike in the Superbike series, a first anywhere in the world, which is a far cry from their humble beginnings as a Superstock squad back in 2009. The factory will prepare the 1199 with a Superbike chassis sporting a Superstock motor and new spec-electronics will come from the team using Smart’s knowhow.

“The playing field for 2012 is level and it has never been more level in the history of the series. We have one of the most experienced riders on the grid who is also a British champion. With Ducati’s help and the backing of our main sponsor Solent Scientific, there is no reason we can’t be giving last year’s frontrunners a hard time,” said team owner Steve Moore.

“The move up to the BSB championship is a big one and something I am very proud of. We were very happy to become an Elite team for 2012. The new team rules require us to have two riders, this has sparked several partnerships already. This is great progress, There are many teams who would normally be restricted to just one rider who are now joining resources and expertise to become stronger and more stable. For us, the Saudi Falcons team partnership was an ideal solution and allowed us to progress the team. We welcome their rider.”