The 2009 Bennetts British Superbike grid is continuing to take shape after Hawk Racing confirmed they have snapped up the services of Tristan Palmer.

A former Superbike Cup Champion, Palmer comes to the team having finished inside the top ten of the overall BSB standings in 2008 riding the Tena for Men Honda. The 26-year-old scored in all but one race over the course of the season, helping him to tenth in the standings.

The switch to Hawk Racing comes after he collaborated with the team during the season-ending 'Race of the Year' event last month, a move Palmer is thrilled by.

"I'm delighted to have signed for Hawk Racing. I worked with the team at the Race of the Year and they're such a professional and dedicated crew that I just couldn't refuse their offer. I am sure that together we can do a great job and achieve good things next season."

Hawk Racing, meanwhile, ran Scott Smart on a Kawasaki in 2008, although it isn't clear whether they will be switching machinery next year. For the moment though, team manager Stuart Hicken is pleased with his first signing.

"Tristan has now had two great years in BSB, winning the privateers cup in 2007 and then taking 10th overall in 2008. After making his debut with the team at the Race of the Year I believe we have the man for the job and look forward to the 2009 BSB campaign.

“We are currently finalising deals for 2009 with Luke Stapleford and James Hillier and an announcement on machinery and final team structure will be made shortly."