Hydrex Honda are set to confirm that Karl Harris will make a return to their British Superbike team in 2009, replacing GSE-bound James Ellison.

Harris will switch back to Honda machinery after an injury-riddled season spent riding the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha where his best result of third place in Knockhill was undermined by a series of accidents.

Nonetheless, Harris remains one of the most experienced riders on the BSB grid and while his last stint with Shaun Muir's team didn't deliver the results he was hoping for, Harris is confident of emulating Ellison's front-running form from this year.

"I am really looking forward to the 2009 season now," he told the British Superbike website. "Shaun Muir's Hydrex Honda team is a great squad to be with and I have already worked with them in the past, so to be able to come back is a great opportunity for me.

"I have already started my training for next season and winning the BSB title next year is my main focus now. The team are going to give me the opportunity to fight for the Championship next year and I am really up for the challenge."

Hydrex Honda are thought to be chasing the signature of Stuart Easton to partner Harris in the team next year. Easton, who raced for MSS Discovery Kawasaki this season, was the winner of this month's Macau Grand Prix aboard a Shaun Muir Honda.