INTERNATIONAL race circuits and television cameras await Moto-GP starlet James Folkard. Hot off the back of a title-winning 2011 campaign, the 20-year-old speed demon will race in the 848 Ducati Challenge Championship this term. The eight round competition will see Folkard and his Crosby-based race team compete in televised events alongside the British Superbike Championships. Six of the rounds will be held alongside the British Superbike Championships, with the other two rounds taking Folkard to Misano in Italy and Assen in Holland. After resounding success in 2011, Folkard and his team have received backing from Ducati Manchester. Last term, the Walton-born rider won the prestigious Aprilia RRV 450 GP Championship. In doing so, he became the first rider in history to win both the Aprilia 450 Championship and the Aprilia 125 Superteen Championship. The move to both televised and international events is a jump to the big time for Folkard, but after dominating his rivals last term, the much-hyped rider is champing at the bit to get started. “I can’t wait to get out there racing this year,” said Folkard. “It is a real dream ride I have for 2012. “I’ll be racing at some of Europe’s top race circuits on a Ducati and I’ll be racing live on television with millions of people watching. “It will be the biggest and most exciting challenge in my career so far.” After winning the Aprilia 450 title in the summer, Folkard shone when winning on American soil during a brief stint Stateside later in the year. His stock has risen amongst those in the Moto-GP know and he is adamant his team won’t simply be making up the numbers ahead of the step up. He added: “It’s a step up that I am ready to make. “We will be setting out to win the championship this year. “It won’t be easy; there will be some really tough opposition out there, but we are ready to take them on. “I have to thank Ray Handley of The Fitness Connection Gym in Seaforth. “Ray is taking my fitness levels to new heights; he is a fantastic trainer. “I must also thank Paul and Mark and the team at Minards Pavlou Solicitors for backing me again this year along with Chris Booth at Ducati Manchester. “Everything is in place to make this a brilliant year. Bring it on!” | 
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