Macau comes to Isle of Man TT as Peter Hickman joins all-new BMW effort

Peter Hickman will continue to ride in BMW colours for the 2021 British Superbike Championship and international road races after he was confirmed with a brand-new team being bankrolled by an entrepreneur from Macau.

Last month Hickman confirmed he would be heading for pastures new after Smiths Racing announced its exit from motorsport.

This is now confirmed to be FHO Racing, an all-new outfit created by businesswoman and charity worker Faye Ho, which will run both Hickman and Xavi Fores using the new BMW M 1000 RR and operated by technicians and equipment left by Smiths Racing.

Though it is unclear whether events such as the Isle of Man TT will be able to go ahead due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, BSB has confirmed a full calendar to begin on time in April 2021.

“This is an exciting time for me, the team and I think racing in general as we gain a passionate new team owner in Faye. I’ve known Faye for a few years as a generous supporter of racing in Macau and most importantly she wants to win! 

“I’ve had an awesome four years with the Smiths Racing team, we’ve grown together as a group, been successful in BSB and on the Roads, so now I think we can build on that and take it to a new level. After such a bad year globally, it’s so positive to have a new team and sponsor enter the arena.”

In addition to Hickman, Fores returns to BSB two years after making his debut with Honda Racing in 2019. The Spaniard went on to compete back in WorldSBK this year with Puccetti Kawasaki with modest success, but is excited to get back to electronics-free racing in 2021.

“I enjoyed my time in BSB but maybe not so much in WSB last season, so to come back with such a high level team is a chance for me to sort some unfinished business in the championship! The level of competition, machinery and the support from the fans in Britain is incredible and I must say really surprised me to start with.

“When I raced here in 2019 I had never seen these tracks and many were very tricky to beat experienced regular riders, but now I feel confident that with one year of experience and better preparation, we can do much better.  I have been in contact regularly with Faye, she is very motivated, and the project is very strong to give us the tools to fight at the front.”

In addition to the BSB team, Alex Olsen - who raced with Smiths Racing in BSB in 2020 - will revert to the National Superstock 1000 class.

The small semi-autonomous city state of Macau has a rich association with motorcycle racing through its esteemed Macau Grand Prix annual event, where Hickman has previously been a winner. Ho has previously backed teams as a sponsor, but this represents her first move into full team ownership.