Speedfit Kawasaki has signed Leon Haslam in an exciting deal to race the brand new Ninja ZX-10R in the British Superbike Championship.

After a successful season finishing in fourth place in the 2015 World Superbike Championship, including nine podium finishes and with two race wins, Haslam will return to the hotly contested 12-round British Championship, where he’s enjoyed much success previously.

The JG Speedfit Kawasaki team will be entering their third season with Kawasaki UK and are looking to build on the success of last year with a plethora of podium finishes and race wins under their belt.

Partnering Haslam will be race winner and last year’s Showdown contender, James Ellison and team mate Peter Hickman – forming a trio of riders that the team hopes will be a formula for success in the 2016 season.

Returning to the British Superbike Championship with one goal, Leon Haslam said, “I’m super excited to be coming back to BSB! It’s one of the most competitive series in the world and has a huge fan base and following, so I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and racing in front of the British crowd.

“I made the decision that I wanted to come back a few months ago and began looking at different options. I’ve known Mark for quite a while and I’ve seen how quickly and professionally the team has grown so they were my first option really. I’ve seen first-hand how dominant the old ZX-10R still was, so with this new one already proving faster in testing I can’t wait to get out there next month and try the JG Speedfit Kawasaki for the first time. It will also be my first time competing in the Showdown format so I’m looking forward to that, but our goal from the start of the year is to come back and be challenging at the front from the start!”

JG Speedfit Kawasaki Team Principal, Mark Smith-Halvorsen, added, “Everyone in the team is excited to be welcoming Leon for 2016. He has proven to be one of the most successful riders within Superbike racing and we know that he won’t be returning to make up the numbers!

“Although behind the scenes the signing has been a very quick deal, we’re already in the process of building a third ZX-10R Superbike which Leon will get to experience when he joins James and Peter next month. With a combination of the new Kawasaki and three of the strongest riders on the grid, I truly believe we have the right package to win our debut MCE British Superbike Championship title. It’s up to us now, to turn that into a reality”

Ross Burridge, Kawasaki UK Senior Racing Co-ordinator, said: “The British Superbike Championship is certainly a tough one and you have to make sure everything aligns in order to even be in with a shout at success. I truly believe GBMoto have achieved this for the 2016 season. Their rider lineup is phenomenal, the factory support we’re providing is working wonders and the team’s sheer determination to win is second to none. I really believe that 2016 could be the year for them to bring home the British Superbike Championship. I wish them the best of luck and can’t wait for round one at Silverstone in April.”

To find out more about the JG Speedfit British Superbike team and all of Team Green, visit the all new website at www.teamgreenracing.co.uk or like the Facebook page - Kawasaki Team Green