Ant West to race Brazilian Superbikes despite doping ban

Australian Ant West, who has accused the FIM of acting to ‘try and stop my career’ by way of a doping ban, has signed on for the full SuperBike Brasil season.

SuperBike Brasil does not come under FIM sanction, meaning that West is free to race in the championship despite being sidelined from the Supersport World Championship midway through last year.

His ‘provisional suspension’, first announced in September, remains in place after his B sample returned positive in October.

Between those events, West had written online that he “intend(ed) to work with the FIM in a conciliatory manner to resolve this case”.

However, in announcing his new ride, West rebuked the governing body for jeopardising his career.

“I’m excited to get back on a superbike,” he said.

“After everything the FIM has done to try and stop my career, I jumped at the chance to ride the ZX-10R in the Brazilian Superbike championship.

“I was here last month and was able to meet the team and ride the bike at the Interlagos circuit for the pre-season test. After riding the bike, I was more determined than ever to race again in 2019.

“Thanks to everyone at JC Racing and Kawasaki Brasil for making this happen.”

Round 1 will be run this weekend at Interlagos.