TEENAGE motor cycling rookie Jordan Weaving has escaped the escalating violence in South Africa for the tranquillity of Gloucestershire and a crack at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series, which begins in Spain this weekend, writes Ashley Loveridge.

The immensely talented 14-year-old moved to England with his family last year after his father Colin grew tired of the troubles back home.

Weaving senior was once held up at gunpoint in Cape Town and was also involved in two shoot-outs with would-be robbers and hijackers in Johannesburg.

“I enjoy being able to get out on my bike without the fear of being robbed,” said Jordan, who lives in Woodchester near Stroud and goes to Cirencester’s Deer Park School.

The youngster was selected as South Africa’s sole representative at the Red Bull Rookies Cup trials in Aragon, Spain last October and takes his place along with 23 of the world’s fastest teenage racers in the invitation-only series.

He faces back-to-back races this weekend on the supporting card of the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez and then moves on to the Portuguese GP in Estoril the following weekend.

Jordan is in fine form ahead of his Red Bull bow.

He impressed during pre-season testing in Portugal earlier this month when he was 14th fastest out of the 24 riders.

Having finished eighth in the Motostar British 125cc Championship last year, Jordan has hit the ground running in 2012 with third place (podium) finishes in the first two races at Thruxton.

He is hoping to consolidate his place in the top three of the British 125cc Championship as well as doing well enough to be invited back to the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2013.

Jordan would like to thank all his sponsors, including Shark Helmets of France, Red Bull Austria, SP125 Racing Yorkshire and a special thank you to new sponsor Andy Reynolds of Bristol Systems Technology Ltd.