Team Italia announces its Superstock riders for 2012

Team Italia has communicated the names of its federation-supported riders for the 2012 season, youngsters who will take part in the FIM Superstock Cup and the UEM Superstock 600 Championship. The first name on the list is Lorenzo Savadori (photo), 18 years of age from Cesena, who for the second successive year will take part in Superstock 1000, this time on a brand-new Ducati 1199 Panigale machine prepared by the Barni Racing team.

The Italian had a tough debut season in Superstock 1000, the former 125cc rider having to learn everything from scratch, but the 2008 Italian and European 125 GP champion now has an extra year's experience under his belt and is looking to do well.

"A big thanks to the FMI Italian federation and Barni Racing for their opportunity they've given me. The level of the category is high but I'm aiming to improve and at the same time I can't wait to try the new bike!"

Meanwhile in European Superstock 600, Riccardo Russo has been confirmed and he will be joined by 19-year-old Luca Vitali from Rimini, the son of the four-times Italian champion Maurizio Vitali and who did four STK600 rounds as a wildcard last year (Monza, Misano, Imola and Portimão), with the Forward Racing Junior Team. Both riders will be entered by Team Trasimeno on Yamaha YZF R6 machines.