DesmoSport Ducati signs Broc Pearson for 2023 ASBK

Despite DesmoSport Ducati’s reasonably successful outcome with Bryan Staring in the 2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK), the team have elected to go with youth instead of experience this year, replacing the 35-year-old veteran with 22-year-old Broc Pearson.

After winning the 2021 Australian Supersport Championship., Pearson made his Superbike debut last year and rode a partial season with privateer Yamaha ASBK squad, 727Moto. After two rounds, Pearson parted ways with that team, then landed a ride alongside Staring at DesmoSport Ducati for the final three rounds of the 2022 season, ultimately finishing eleventh in the championship (Staring finished third).

Pearson’s results in that cameo, along with DesmoSport Ducati’s commitment to assist the development of young riders, were enough to convince team co-owners, Ben Henry and Troy Bayliss, to sign the young Queenslander as their sole rider for 2023.

“Ben and I had a good conversation about what we are doing and why, and it stood out to both of us that Broc is the rider that DesmoSport Ducati should have on board in 2023,” said Bayliss.

“He's young, has a bright career ahead of him and needs support to continue in his progression or we're likely to lose another up-and-coming rider from the sport.

“We believe in Broc's ability, and we are prepared to invest in him for DesmoSport Ducati's 2023 championship campaign."

Henry added: “It was a tough conversation to have, telling Bryan that Broc would ride the bike in 2023, but in true Staring form, he was a professional and understood the team's decision.

“For 2023, we're looking to regain our focus on the bigger picture and Broc is undoubtedly a part of that. He was the Rookie of the Year [in 2022] for good reason. He has the skill, determination and drive to get great results and I believe that we have the tools to help Broc take some big steps forward in his career, here in Australia or overseas."

Pearson wasn’t expecting the stint with DesmoSport Ducati to continue beyond 2022, so was rapt when told he’d be the team’s rider this year.

“It was an amazing opportunity to ride the Panigale V4 R [last year], it was a great experience to work with DesmoSport, Ducati, the teams’ partners and to ride the bike,” Pearson said. “Although the last two rounds didn’t go the way I was hoping, I know there is so much potential once we get a few more laps under our belt.

“It is very exciting knowing that Ben and Troy are fully in my corner, and I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity for them, myself and all those who have been a part of the ride ride so far.

"DesmoSport Ducati is a race winning team so I know this year is very important that I step up and deliver the results that I know I can achieve."