TT winner Hickman joins new FHO team for 2021

It was announced last month that Hickman's previous team Smiths Racing would pull out of motorsport at the conclusion of the 2020 BSB campaign, and Hickman had already teased he'd secured a ride for 2021, though it was not known with who.

However, on Wednesday it was announced a new team set up by Macau entrepreneur and motorsport enthusiast Faye Ho would run Hickman on BMW machinery in the bike classes on the roads and in BSB next year having taken over the Smiths team.

With FHO Racing built from the foundations of the Smiths team, much of its existing technicians and equipment will be utilised.

TT winner and lap record holder Hickman will ride BMW's all new M1000RR - the marque's first 'M' bike, though it is not clear what he will race in the Supersport class yet having previously ridden a Triumph.

"This is an exciting time for me, the team and I think racing in general as we gain a passionate new team owner in Faye," Hickman said.

"I've known Faye for a few years as a generous supporter of racing in Macau and most importantly she wants to win!

"I've had an awesome four years with the Smiths Racing team, we've grown together as a group, been successful in BSB and on the roads, so now I think we can build on that and take it to a new level.

"After such a bad year globally, it's so positive to have a new team and sponsor enter the arena."

Team owner Ho added: "I've always loved motorsport and bike racing in particular, so when the opportunity arose to take over from the Smiths team, it seemed the ideal opportunity to get involved.

"I first supported motorcycle teams at the Macau Grand Prix in 2009 and the next year we claimed the victory with Stuart Easton and the PBM squad.

"What struck me immediately with two-wheeled racing was the excitement and passion; it is a huge challenge that the teams and riders take on each time they are on track.

"When I came back to the UK, I witnessed the thrill of the Isle of Man TT and the level of professionalism and competition of the BSB series.

"When we heard the Smiths team were withdrawing, and having got to know Alan and Rebecca Smith, the team owners, in Macau, it felt like perfect timing to help step in to build a new team.

"I'm just so excited to get going, this is probably the biggest challenge I've ever undertaken and ultimately we have the desire to want to win races!"

Hickman will be joined by ex-World Superbike rider Xavi Fores in BSB next year.

It was announced earlier on Wednesday, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has been scrapped.