After a solid debut season in the Aprilia Superteen Motorbike Championship, Connor Thomson wants to make a bigger impact this time around.

The 13-year-old pupil from Epsom & Ewell High School finished sixth overall last year, claiming five podium finishes.

In the Nitro Newcomers Championship, which runs alongside the Aprilia class for new entrants, Thomson clocked up a win and a further nine podiums to place fourth overall.

Thomson wants to follow in the famous footsteps of former Aprilia Superteen bikers including Casey Stoner and Cal Crutchlow.

However, getting on the Aprilia podium for the first time at Oulton Park was also a dream come true.

He said: “I just felt overwhelmed getting my first podium in the Aprilia Superteen Challenge. I couldn’t wait until I got the next one”.

After a successful year on board an Aprilia RS125 machine, Thomson will mount his fresh challenge riding an Aprilia RRV450R four-stroke machine in the same category.

His first opportunity to ride his new machine will be at a pre-season event at Donington Park at the end of February.

He said: “I can’t wait to start the pre-season testing. I’m looking forward to riding the new bike, and I’m very grateful for my family's support, but I must not forget that I wouldn’t be racing if it wasn’t for the help of my sponsors CS Tyre Services and P&H Motorcycles."