Olly Simpson winging his way to Europe

Adelaide young gun, the ever smiling Olly Simpson returns to Europe this Friday to race Red Bull Rookies Cup with his dad, Nathan, by his side. The 17 year old from the Adelaide Hills, who has been back in Australia with his family for the past six months, will pack his bags and move to his European base just out of Barcelona to further his racing career.

It will be Olly’s third year campaigning the seven round Red Bull Rookies Cup, the development series featuring 24 invited riders from across the globe between the ages of 13 and 18 years. They all race the same bike – a 4 stroke Moto3 spec KTM 250 RBR – and compete at some of Europe’s most noted circuits including Assen in the Netherlands, Misano in Italy and Silverstone in the UK.

Olly finished 10th in 2014, and has his eyes set on the podium in 2015.

He jumps on the plane grateful for the support of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit who have been helping him out over the past two years. Circuit managing director, Fergus Cameron, said the track was proud to contribute to the development of Australians in the sport and was impressed with Olly’s performances at the island in recent months.

“I am actually really proud to be a Phillip Island ambassador and wear my home circuit’s logo on my bike and shirt,” said Olly.

“In Europe, riders dream about racing at the island so they always ask me what the circuit is like. I tell them it is pure heaven for motorcycle racers.

“I love the speed of the place. It is the fastest track on the MotoGP calendar and my riding style suits the fast flowing corners.

“My favourite corner is Southern Loop as it feels like the turn just goes on forever as you are at maximum lean angle and you can feel the front and rear tyre sliding. Truly, it is the perfect corner.”

There’s no doubt the island sits well with Olly. Last month, he stormed home to win all three Moto3/125 cc GP races held as support events at the Phillip Island world superbike round.

Campaigning the KTM Moto 3 machine, he reset the record in every race, eventually slashing .679 seconds off the existing mark. His dominance showed the benefit of leaving his Adelaide home and family, and spending the last two years racing in Europe.

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“It has been an awesome experience. This year I have deferred my school work so that I can concentrate 100% on racing which will be great, but I miss my mum and brothers and sister,” said Olly who lives in a motorhome with his dad in Spain, travelling from track to track.

“This year, I am sure will be a good year for me as I have ridden at all of the tracks in the calendar.

“I have been training very hard while here in Australia and I am confident of finishing in the top end of the field. My aim is also to ride as a wild card again at Phillip Island at the Moto GP in October, just like I did last year.”

Olly’s first stop is testing in Jerez Spain, scheduled for the 24 contracted riders from March 31-April 3 before the opening round on May 2-3 at the same circuit.

“It will be tough as all the rookies are competitive. They are 24 of the fastest kids in the world, they are all great riders and they all want to make it to the big-time so they are out to prove they are the best. It can be intense!”