The news follows the announcement in September last year that Samsung was to become Jon Kirkham’s official sponsor for the remainder of the 2010 season and Jon’s move into Superbike racing this year. With testing due to start shortly, the new-look Samsung Crescent Racing Team will make its debut at the Cartagena circuit in Spain on March 3, with new signing Jon Kirkham and ex-MotoGP star John Hopkins getting their first taste of the GSX-R1000 that they will take to the grid at Brands Hatch for round one on April 25th.
Upon announcing Samsung as title sponsor and the signing of Jon Kirkham, Crescent’s Team Manager, Jack Valentine commented: "Naturally we are thoroughly delighted to welcome both Samsung and Jon onboard for the 2011 season. It is extremely pleasing to work with a new partner from outside of the bike industry, and a global brand like Samsung raises both our own and the championship's profile, opening the door to a wider audience. With Jon we have a second rider with real pedigree. While it's been a tough winter period, I genuinely believe we've never been in such a strong position at the start of a season and can't wait to get both riders out on track for testing."
With the support of Samsung, the Crescent Racing Team is aiming to build on its already well established brand by competing at the Silverstone World SBK round later in the year, where both riders will race alongside the regular World Championship contenders.
Simon Stanford, Head of Mobile, Samsung UK and Ireland said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Jon Kirkham this year and extremely enthusiastic about our involvement in the British Superbike circuit this season through our new title sponsorship with Crescent Racing. We intend to use this new partnership to take our leading mobile technology and brand to millions of Superbike fans as well as give Crescent Racing an opportunity to reach a wider audience via our customer base.”
Samsung Crescent Racing will begin its pre-season testing at the Cartagena circuit in Spain on March 3rd, before moving to Guadix near Granada on the March 8th.