Ex Rossi long-term spannerman now in the ASBK paddock

Brent Stephens moves to DesmoSport Ducati for 2021

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Brent Stephens has joined the Gold Coast based DesmoSport Ducati ASBK team for 2021, bringing a wealth of World Superbike and MotoGP experience, and will be working as race mechanic for Mike Jones.

Brent Stephens

“I’m excited to join DesmoSport Ducati for 2021 to work on Mike’s bike. I’ve enjoyed a great career on the world stage, working with some of the world’s best riders, the most incredible bikes, and some great teams over the years, but I have to admit, I’m looking forward to having a team located a few kilometres from my house! I enjoy the challenges that racing brings and moving from a MotoGP bike to an ASBK-spec superbike is extremely different but no less of a challenge. I’ve had a two-day test to get to know Mike and the Panigale V4 R, and I can’t wait to get some more time with the bike as the season begins.”

Brent Stephens joined MotoGP great Valentino Rossi in 2004, but with Rossi making the move to Petronas Yamaha in 2021 was a casualty of the move alongside Alex Briggs, with Rossi describing both as ‘members of the family’. Now he returns to Australia and joins the DesmoSport Ducati ASBK team.

Ben Henry – DesmoSport Ducati Team Co-Owner

“With the team growing to two riders, we really needed more help in the garage, and in particular, I need to spend more time overseeing both bikes, riders and the team in general. Troy and I had a chat about what options we had, and quickly realised that with Rossi heading to Petronas, Brent, who also lives not far from the workshop, didn’t have a confirmed position for the year and the rest is history. He worked with us on Mike’s Panigale V4 R in our first test of the season at Phillip Island and I think it’s fair to say that I’m extremely happy with how the team is coming together for 2021.”

Troy Bayliss – DesmoSport Ducati Team Co-Owner

“Two riders in the garage adds a lot more work for the entire team, so when it became time to consider who might be available to help us, and the standard we were looking for, the list was pretty short. Brent has a long history in racing on the world stage, from World Superbike to MotoGP, and has maintained an incredible reputation over the years for his professionalism and abilities, so to bring someone of his calibre to DesmoSport Ducati is unreal.”

Mike Jones

“I’m really excited to have Brent in the garage this season. He brings so much experience to the team, and already at the test, we’ve seen things step up behind the scenes. It’s no secret that I chose 46 because I’m a Rossi fan, so to now have one of his long-term mechanics working on my bike, just adds to my confidence heading into the 2021 season. We tested well at Phillip Island this week and I’m looking forward to getting back here in a few weeks for round 1.”

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2021 Australian Superbike Championship Calendar