Gregorio Lavilla was a whirlwind championship winner in the series, joining BSB in 2004 when he deputised for an injured Yukio Kagayama at Thruxton before establishing himself as a leading rider in the series by celebrating title victory just a year later.

The Spaniard began his career competing in Spain, winning titles including the Spanish Supersport Championship before competing on the world stage after finishing as runner-up in the German Superbike series (IDM). 

A tenure in the World Superbike Championship followed, before he substituted for Kagayama, which then saw him join the Airwaves Ducati team for a full season in 2005. Lavilla scored seven victories from 22 podiums, to celebrate claiming a BSB title at his first attempt.

Lavilla returned for his title defence, but lost out to Ryuichi Kiyonari in the title battle, finishing in third place overall and a year later he held fourth place in the overall standings before moving back to the World Championship.

Lavilla retired from competitive racing, but remains in the sport as the Executive Director of the Superbike World Championship.