By blue2bikes
October 21 2005

It has been announced today that Supersport rider Craig Jones, who came second in the British Supersport series this year, has now signed with the Foggy Petronas team to ride in the 2006 World Superbike series, alongside Steve Martin.

above: the Foggy Petronas in 2004, with Troy Corser

20-year-old Craig has already ridden in world class races during this season, in the World Supersport series here and abroad, so has a good knowledge of some of the circuits he will be riding on next year. Craig will also be reunited with his former team manager, Jack Valentine, who was his manager during his 2003-04 campaign when he rode the ValMoto Triumph in the Supersport series.

Carl Fogarty said, “I wanted to put someone on the bike that is hungry and willing to learn. Craig wants to prove that he can be one of the best riders in the world, and I believe he is one of the most talented riders around. Maybe I can see someone who wants to win as badly as I did.

“He will be in a high-profile team, on a Superbike and on slick tyres, as well as at new circuits, so he is being thrown in at the deep end to some extent. But I will be there and the whole team will be there to help him float. He is not expected to win on our bike, so that shifts the pressure from him to me - and I don’t mind that. I had to work for my big chance, and it will give me so much pleasure to see someone fulfil their potential with my team.

© Raceline Photography

“He first caught my eye last year when, despite being on a bike that was slower than the others, he managed to win at Donington. It was one of the most impressive performances I have seen for a long time, and I think his sideways over-taking manoeuvre was the most spectacular I have ever seen. He also comes highly recommended from a lot of people whose opinions I respect.

“I considered him last year, but thought that it would benefit him to have another year in the British Supersport championship. He has had a good year and, but for a couple of mistakes, could have won that title. Craig had good offers on the table for 2006, having impressed with a few rides in the World Supersport championship last season. But he wanted to come and ride for my team and that is very important for me.”

Craig said, “I’m delighted and can’t wait for this new challenge. The main attraction has to be Carl, who was one of my heroes when I started racing, and someone I aspired to emulate. I also rode for Jack Valentine, the FPR race team boss, for two years and know that it is a well-run team. I am excited about getting onto a Superbike for the first time and, am also keen to help with the project development. I know quite a few of the circuits, and we are planning tests at some of the others, so I don’t think that will be too much of a disadvantage. And I rode at Brno this year for the first time on a new bike and was sixth. It might be difficult to get my lap times down straight away, but I do not think it will be too difficult and I am fit and ready to go.”

Craig replaces Garry McCoy in the FPR team. Carl added, “I wish Garry all the best, as things didn’t work out well for him with our team last year.”

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To buy the photographs shown above, visit Raceline Photography