Pirelli National Superstock front-runner Tom Ward will deputise for Franco Bourne on the Rapid Honda at this weekend’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship round at Cadwell Park, as he continues to recover from injuries sustained at Thruxton.

Ward, from Kent, has been a podium contender in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship, currently holding fifth in the standings riding for the Armada Marine Cables Honda squad, and most recently celebrated a victory at Brands Hatch.

Ward said: “I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to ride this weekend at Cadwell Park. It’s great to be riding a Honda and especially with Rapid as we already have a great relationship with the team. I’m excited for the challenge and feel ready to take this opportunity. There’s no expectation – just to go out, enjoy and hopefully progress with the bike and team. I need to thank Rapid for this great opportunity.”

Rapid Honda Team Owner, Matt Bainbridge commented: “Cadwell Park is one of the most physically demanding circuits on the calendar, so we’ve made the mutual decision with Franco to sit him out of this round so he can continue his recovery.

“His pace and speed are evident now, so we don’t need to rush his recovery and we are working together to ensure that he is fully fit for the next round at Oulton Park. We have also scheduled a test beforehand so there is no reason why we won’t be back up to speed straight away.

“Tom was the clear choice for us to deputise for Franco and the only call we made. He has shown obvious speed this year, winning at Brands Hatch and other podiums in Superstock. Rapid Honda have been supporting his Armada Marine Cables Racing team during the season too, which is another reason we know Tom was the perfect choice.  Thank you to them for fully supporting Tom standing in this weekend too.”