Lydd’s Bradley Ray will return to the Superbike World Championship next season after re-signing for Yamaha Motoxracing.

Ray, who won the British Superbike title in 2022, made the step up to the Worlds last season and finished 19th in the series with a best finish of sixth at Imola. Despite some frustrating results, and a spell on the sidelines after shoulder surgery, the 26-year-old has done enough to keep his ride for 2024.

It will be a busier season, too. Last year Motoxracing contested only the European rounds but the Italy-based squad will participate in the full championship, which is scheduled to begin in Australia on February 23-25.

“I’m really happy to sign with Yamaha and Motoxracing again for the 2024 season,” a delighted Ray said. “I feel like it’s important to get a second year to really blossom and be able to show your full potential.

“We had some strong races in 2023 together so I’m excited to build on that. I’m super happy to be doing the full championship, too, and think this will be very beneficial for myself throughout 2024.

“I want to say a massive thank-you to everyone at Yamaha and Sandro (Carusi, team principal) at Motoxracing for giving me a second year and another opportunity to compete in World Superbikes. See you in Australia.”

Carusi added: “I’m pleased to continue on the journey we began with Bradley in WorldSBK last year. His surgery during the season slowed our growth somewhat, but in the first part of the year we showed we could be competitive together.

“I’m confident, both that he will make a full recovery and that we can achieve positive results in the 2024 championship.”