Suzuki back on WorldSBK grid for Navarra with wild-card entry
Naimichi Uramoto will wild-card at the upcoming WorldSBK Navarra round, marking the first appearance for a Suzuki GSX-R1000 entry since 2018
![Naoimichi Uramoto - JEG Suzuki [credit: @naomichiuramoto94 Instagram]](https://cdn.visordown.com/styles/img_600/s3/field/image/Screenshot%202021-08-12%20at%2010.17.55.png?itok=t7H2A83R)
Suzuki will be represented on the WorldSBK grid for the first time in three years for the series’ upcoming inaugural visit to the Navarra circuit in Spain, courtesy of Naoimichi Uramoto.
The Japanese racer is competing in the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) but will step onto the world stage for the first time in Navarra with the JEG Racing team.
Uramoto’s appearance will see a Suzuki on the entry list for the first time since Gino Rea and Bradley Ray both performed a wild-card at Donington Park in 2018.
Using the outing as a ‘test’ prior to the ESBK’s visit to the same venue a week later, Uramoto is excited to have the opportunity to perform internationally.
“I do not know what to expect, as this has been decided so suddenly, but I thank the team for giving me this great opportunity. Since this is my first time racing in the World Superbike Championship, I am looking forward to it.
“Since I have an ESBK race at the same circuit the following week, I will try to enjoy it thinking as it as a test for the following week.”
The manufacturer hasn’t been represented on the WorldSBK grid full-time since 2015 when Crescent Racing switched allegiances to Yamaha, though there is talk the firm may be looking to build on its title-winning success in the MotoGP World Championship by returning armed with the next generation GSX-R1000R.
