Richard Wren - 2005 Rider Profile

The newest recruit to the Virgin Mobile Samsung squad and to the British Superbike paddock is London-based Richard Wren, who like team-mate Hill, graduated to the premier class after being crowned 2004 Virgin Mobile R6 Cup Champion in September.

The 22-year-old's racing career commenced in 1990, when he started competing in local motocross competitions on a Kawasaki KX60. The youngster quickly made a name for himself and was crowned the ACU Kent Junior Champion the following year.

Experiencing regular success, Wren soon found himself competing against the best young riders in Europe. In 1995, his achievements were recognised by Tower Hamlets Sports Council and he was the recipient of the Junior Male award at the annual sports awards. In 1996, Wren represented England and won the Irish Youth International Championship in Dublin - on a borrowed bike!

Two years later Wren decided to concentrate his efforts on road racing and spent the following two years raising sponsorship. In 2000 his hard work paid off and he was able to compete in the CB 500 Super Cup. However, bad luck struck a month into his campaign; he crashed out at Mallory Park's Devil's Elbow nearly loosing his right hand as a result.

However, like many riders Wren underwent extensive surgery and after 12 months of gruelling physiotherapy he returned to the CB500 class where he finished second in the Championship.

Wren spent one more year at club level before racing in the Bemsee MRO Supersport 600 Championship in 2003. Once again, Wren put in an admirable effort and despite competing on a five-year-old Yamaha he finished an impressive second.

At the beginning of last year, Wren signed up to the Virgin Mobile R6 Cup with one aim in mind, to win and to become the third member of the Virgin Mobile Samsung team. "I knew that it would be the best chance I ever had of making a name for myself." said Wren. "With a once in a lifetime opportunity to prove myself in the British bike racing world,"

Wren did exactly that; and knows that this year all eyes will be on him as he looks to follow in the footsteps of the ever-talented Tommy Hill.

"I can't wait to ride in the Superbike class, it's what every ambitious British racer dreams of. I know that everyone will be comparing me to Tommy and I can only hope that I do as good a job," reflects Wren. "Over the past season Tom has become a good mate and we chat a lot about the team, how it operates and what to expect, which is great. It's hard to believe that two seasons ago I was racing in MRO 600 class and in March I will be lining up on the BSB grid for real!"