Crucial points in both championships for the Moto Rapido Racing Ducati team at Donington Park

Moto Rapido Racing Ducati – Round Two: Donington Park Race Report

Following a strong performance at Round One in Oulton Park, the Moto Rapido Racing Ducati team arrived at Donington Park full of confidence and momentum. With both riders showing great form from the opening sessions, the team went into Round Two knowing it would be competitive — and came away with standout results, headline moments, and silverware.

Friday – Free Practice

Both riders immediately found pace around the Donington GP circuit. In Superbike, Leon Haslam placed 5th overall on combined times aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R, just 0.164 seconds off the top spot. Over in Supersport, Ben Currie clocked 2nd fastest, only 0.045 seconds from P1. Both sessions were traffic-heavy, but the speed and confidence were clear across the garage, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

Saturday – Qualifying & Sprint Races

Ben Currie – Supersport
Ben kicked off his birthday in style with a storming qualifying performance. First out of pit lane and fully committed, he secured pole position by going under the lap record — repeating the pace he showed at Oulton Park.

In the 12-lap Sprint Race, he produced a masterclass. From the moment the lights went out, Ben was in full control, breaking away at the front and opening a two-second gap by lap two. He led every lap and took his first win of the season, complete with a new lap record, pole position, and lights-to-flag dominance — all on his birthday.

Leon Haslam – Superbike
Leon’s qualifying session was disrupted by two red flags, making it difficult to get a clean lap. Both times he exited pit lane, he was caught in traffic and couldn’t build momentum. Still, he delivered a solid performance to qualify 4th, just 0.02 seconds off pole.

Race 1 saw Leon launch from the second row, holding P4 into Redgate. With his heaviest fuel load of the season, the early laps were a learning experience as he adapted to the setup. Once the leading group broke away, rejoining the battle was a tall order, but he brought home important points and valuable data for Sunday’s races. He would start Race 2 from 7th on the grid.

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Sunday – Sprint & Feature Races

Leon Haslam – Superbike Sprint (Race 2)
Leon’s 12-lap Sprint Race on Sunday morning was a turning point. Starting from P7, he lost a position off the line but quickly settled into a strong rhythm. It was clear — even from the TV footage — that Leon was more comfortable and confident than the day before. Lap by lap, he picked off positions, eventually climbing into P6 and breaking the lap record in the process. While Rory Skinner narrowly reclaimed the record later, Leon’s charge was a clear statement.

He crossed the line in P6 with momentum on his side and set himself up brilliantly for the final race of the weekend — starting from P2 on the grid for Race 3.

Ben Currie – Supersport Feature Race
Ben’s second race was a completely different beast — an absolute thriller from start to finish.

Launching cleanly from pole, Ben slotted into P2 off the line and was immediately thrown into an all-out dogfight. The race featured intense battles, elbows out, constant overtakes, and bar-to-bar action with the front group.

As the final lap approached, Ben was chasing down Luke Stapleford and breathing down his neck. Into the Esses, Ben made a bold, brilliant move — late on the brakes and decisive — to pass Luke cleanly in a true racer’s style. But the drama wasn’t over. Heading into the Melbourne Loop, Rhys Irwin made his move, and Ben had to react quickly. Staying calm and composed, he slotted in and powered across the line to take his second victory of the weekend.

Two wins, two poles, and a lap record — a dream weekend by any standard.

Leon Haslam – Superbike Feature (Race 3)
Leon’s final race of the weeknd was another gritty ride. After getting pushed back to P7 early on, he dug deep, fought back through the field and finished P4 – right on the front group. Smart, solid points for the championship.

Huge shoutout to the whole team – the boys in the garage didn’t stop grafting all weekend and gave the riders everything they needed.

Now we recharge before Round 3 at Snetterton.

Thank you to all the fans, sponsors and supporters who make this possible.

Moto Rapido Racing Ducati reflect on a weekend of highs and heartbreak at Oulton Park

Leon Haslam claims first win since 2018, Ben Currie breaks Supersport lap record, and the paddock unites in mourning.

Moto Rapido Racing Ducati, proudly supported by Ducati UK, delivered standout performances this weekend at Oulton Park, with Leon Haslam and Ben Currie showcasing exceptional pace and professionalism in their respective classes. However, the event was overshadowed by a tragic incident that has deeply affected the entire racing community.

Saturday's qualifying showed strong promise, with Haslam securing P3 on the grid aboard his Panigale V4R and Currie taking P4 on the Panigale V2.

In Race 1, Leon battled through a tough start to claim a solid third place, setting the third-fastest Superbike lap time and earning another front-row start for Sunday’s sprint.

Currie’s Supersport race was equally eventful, surviving a dramatic clash early on and professionally regrouping to secure fourth place. His performance was underscored by breaking the Supersport lap record and securing pole position for Monday’s feature race.

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Leon Haslam started the Superbike Race 2 from P3 and produced a calculated and experienced ride to work his way into the lead. A huge moment on the final lap had hearts in mouths, but he held firm to take his first win since 2018 – and the team’s first of the season. His victory was a testament to the effort behind the scenes from Team Principal Wilf, bike builder Joe, and engine builder Baz, who also helped deliver a new Superbike lap record of 1:32.817.

Ben Currie was set to start the Supersport Feature Race 2 from pole position, following his strong pace and record-breaking form in the previous race. Tragically, the race was red-flagged on the opening lap due to a multi-rider incident at the first corner. The severity of the crash led to the suspension of the event, and the cancellation of all remaining races, including Superbike Race 3.

As a team, our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families and friends involved. The racing world has been shaken to its core, and the paddock will never be the same without those two incredible characters. We join the entire motorsport community in mourning their loss and stand united in grief and support for everyone affected.

Positive first test for the Moto Rapido Racing Ducati team at Navarra

Leon Haslam made a welcome return to Ducati machinery this week, when he got his first chance to ride the Moto Rapido Racing Ducati team's Panigale V4 R at the Navarra circuit in Spain during the first of three R&G Official Tests. The 'Pocket Rocket' announced he was joining the Winchester-based team late last year, with high hopes of title success. And the positive start at Navarra means the team will move on to the next test at Donington in a great position.

Ben Currie is back on the Panigale V2, this time with a new Crew Chief in Les Pearson, as he aims to retake the Supersport title he won with the team in 2023. Ben and Les had lots to work through during the two-day test and made great ground with all the team leaving Spain on a high after the long winter break.

Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Racing Ducati #91)

"First test at Navarra done and it’s safe to say it’s been a long winter, so I was excited to get started. I've spent a bit of time with Wilf and Hammy over the winter, but there’s nothing like being with the whole team in the garage, watching everyone get stuck in. We got through so much and luckily the weather was good to us. It was great to get on the Ducati again for the first time in a few years. My bike now is a far cry from any Ducati I’ve ridden before.

As far as tests go this one couldn’t have gone better, and for a first outing I feel like we’re in a really strong position. Next up is Donington next week, where we’ll really see what we’ve got and fine tune the bike for racing. Big thanks to the team for making this first test as smooth as possible. Can’t wait to go again!"

Ben Currie (Moto Rapido Racing Ducati #61)

"I had a really positive couple of days at Navarra and finally got back out with the team and my brand new Panigale V2. I was buzzing to get going on the new bike, especially with some changes compared to the one we’ve been running before. We got through a massive programme, testing new suspension components and ideas, plus taking a fresh approach to the chassis setup.

We spent most of the first day just getting me comfortable and understanding how the bike felt, as it’s pretty different to what I’m used to. We also welcomed my new Crew Chief Les Pearson into the team. He’s well known in the paddock, so no need for an introduction. As expected there were a few teething problems, but we worked tirelessly through different set ups and by the end of the test we were in a really solid place.

W’ve got a good base to work from heading into Donington, so we can really focus on getting up to speed. The team's in a great place, the atmosphere is spot on, and having one of my best mates Leon on the other side of the garage makes it even better."

Moto Rapido Racing Ducati rocket into 2025 BSB title chase with Haslam

Moto Rapido Racing Ducati are aiming for their first Bennetts BSB Championship victory, having come close previously, including finishing runner-up in 2021. The Winchester-based Ducati dealership team have now joined forces with 2018 title-winner Haslam, and together they are ready to come out fighting when the season gets underway next May at Oulton Park.

Haslam returns to Ducati for the first time since 2007 and is relishing a return to the manufacturer he made his Superbike debut with in 2003. The Derbyshire rider’s previous success with Ducati includes claiming his first BSB race win together in 2004 and taking the runner-up spot in the 2006 Championship standings. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ also celebrated 10 race wins and a total of 42 podium finishes with Ducati in the Championship from 2004 – 2007.

Haslam said: “I am super excited for next year and returning to Ducati where it all first started for me on the Superbike back in 2003. I got my first ever BSB race win and World Championship podium with them and it was where my Superbike career really started.

“To go back to Ducati, riding for Wilf and the Moto Rapido Racing team, gives me the opportunity to try to win a second British Championship; everyone involved is so fired up for next year and for me that is the most important thing. I want to come back and have another go at winning this championship again, I can have a good winter and am excited to be ready to hit the ground running next year and try to win the title with Ducati.”

Team Owner Steve Moore
“I’m very pleased to secure Leon for our 2025 challenge. We’ve already had several technical meetings and we are certainly on the same page with what he needs from the Ducati, so I’m confident we can put the bike under him and the team around him that he needs to be winning races.

“Leon is a strong and demanding character, which I like, as so am I; together we can be a winning combination! The challenge of BSB is immense, the level of teams, machinery and riders means we will need to be on top of every detail, so we are starting preparation now.”

Christian Iddon feeling good going into the Showdown

Christian shares his thoughts on his season to date heading into the Showdown

“Everything has been going pretty good this year, except for the last couple of rounds. Everywhere we’ve been strong. At Brands Hatch, which was three rounds ago, I felt the best ever I’ve been on the bike. It wasn’t my best round in terms of results, but it was definitely the best I’ve felt and the most at one I’ve felt with my bike, the most in tune.

I was really looking forward to Thruxton, even though it’s not really been known as strong for us. I kind of thought we could really throw up a surprise there. We had the difficulty then of Wilf getting really poorly, and sadly that round turned out to be as the form book tends to suggest anyway which was a real shame.

We then had Cadwell which was probably worse as we didn’t expect the results we got, and our main championship rival actually scored really highly, which they hadn’t done at Thruxton.

The situation now is one of those that it is what it is. We’re still fourth in the points which is not bad but are trying to win the championship. There is a 60 odd point deficit but however we now are into the Showdown part of the year where the points ramp up.

This year we’ve been hammering in podiums at pretty much every round and that’s all well and good. But now we need to do that and up the game a little bit. We must make sure we’re outscoring out main championship rivals to at least head the pile, so as to be in with a shot of taking the championship.

We’re now going to three tracks that we know from this year. Oulton was a triple podium for me. Donington was difficult because I had a crash, but I set the fastest lap of the weekend. And Brands Hatch was the best I’ve ever felt on this bike in two years. So, we’re going to known quantities, and I feel pretty good about it.”

A challenging weekend for Oxford Products Racing Ducati at Cadwell Park

Ian ‘Hammy’ Darbyshire reports back from Cadwell Park, which hosted Round 8 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Historically last year wasn’t much of a ‘party in the Park’ for us with three lots of seventh place finishes so we were certainly hoping for better results this time round. Even though it was over a Bank Holiday and normal track action moved forward a day, we were also treated to the traditional Friday night Superbike test, with a two and half hour open pitlane.

It can’t go without saying that we had our boss back. As most know Wilf has been incredibly unwell and will still be recovering for some time, but he wanted to get back to support what he has built up over the last 15 seasons. We used the test to try new stuff with the new package we run in the bike. We made the most of the open pit lane and struck off 42 laps trying a few different things. We finished 2.220s off but satisfised we’d tried the right things. Then the fun began…

Saturday was a day of chasing our tales on both bikes with the rain and track conditions not being consistent at all throughout the day. We had a heavy down pour but a quick drying track as in general the temperatures were still warm. Both boys struggled to concentrate on a single set up or at least a set up that worked within a certain window. Christian didn’t have too much pressure to set up his weekend. Ben however didn’t go out in the first session meaning we had to go out in the second session to put a time in to put us in good stead for the rest of the weekend. Saturday saw Christian twelfth overall and Ben first. 

Superbike
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #21)
“I really didn’t envisage this weekend being so tough. From the first test I just didn’t feel a connection with the bike or get it to do with it what I wanted to do. On Sunday we had a difficult FP3 and that continued to a very difficult qualifying. Leading straight into Race One I was just involved in so many things. I was caught in a collision off the line. I also had another bike stop in front of me which I had to take evasive action to avoid which messed up turn one. Also, we had a few glitches with the bike, and then also got hit with a time penalty. Overall, though, more concerningly was the overall lack of pace we had. 

I woke up Monday with a fresh mind and keen to turn it around but unfortunately that wasn’t the case which is incredibly disappointing. I do however want to forget about the last two rounds and move forward. 

The last three rounds we know we’ve been quick from the first visits earlier this season so we know we can go well. Yes, we’ve dropped down to fourth in the championship, but the biggest concern is losing a lot of points to Kyle and Tommy. Both riders had a strong weekend. It’s tough to know where the difficulty lies this weekend between me and the bike but that’s when the team needs to come back together and go again. As always, a huge thank you to the fans, my personal sponsors, the team and their sponsors also.”

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Supersport
Ben Currie (Oxford Products Racing Ducati #1)
“That was a tough, tough weekend. The last couple of rounds have obviously been super tough for us as a whole team for both Christian and me on both sides of the garage. But I'm in really good spirits. 

We fought hard at Cadwell to try and get a bike that can challenge the front two, which were on phenomenal pace all weekend. With the slight lack of track time prior to qualifying and races due to bad weather, it did make it for a tricky time for me and the team. 

The second place in Saturday's race was a little bit of a gift because Jack unfortunately crashed out from second place, which actually gave us our biggest lead of the championship so far with 17 points going into Sunday. 

Unfortunately, I completely messed up Sunday's race and yeah, it wasn't part of the plan, let's just say that. Where I didn't have the pace to sort of challenge all weekend, I decided that I was going to try and settle for a good podium if I could. But once I set off for the race, the racer in me came out and I felt like I could challenge, so I wanted to stick in there as long as I could. I finally had a bike underneath me that I was capable to do the job, that's just how it is with the lack of track time that we had. 

The team were unbelievable to give me a bike there all of a sudden that could challenge with, and I got a little bit excited and then maybe just dropped concentration for a split second. I ran slightly wide, minimally wide, and lost the front end of the bottom of the mountain. That was that for Sunday's race. I lost a huge chunk of points again, which is massively unfortunate, but with six points back in the championship lead we are more than in this fight. 

With three rounds to go, there's three of us separated by six points, which is absolutely crazy for this part of the season. It’s going to make for a really exciting finish to the championship and I'm sure people are going to absolutely love it, and to be honest I can't wait to be a part of it. 

So, I'm confident the last three rounds should be good for us. And the added bit of confidence that I gained at Sunday's race to turn things around was good, so I'm really looking forward to the end of this season. Let’s keep pushing.”