Scott Smart signs for Rizla Suzuki - Exclusive.

Crash.net can exclusively reveal that former Hawk Kawasaki rider Scott Smart has signed a contract with Rizla Suzuki for 2005 following weeks of speculation.

In a recent conversation with the Yorkshire based rider, he admitted that he was very happy about the move to the number one British Superbike team.

"I'm very, very pleased to clinch the deal, and am looking forward to the new challenge," commented Smart. "This puts me in a very strong position for the championship next season.

"I know the guys within the Rizla team well so I should fit right in, although they will have their work cut out with me!" he quipped.

"The Suzuki's we will have next season are an all new bike, so there will be lots of development work to do which I like. The Rizla team are possibly the most competent in the paddock at developing road bikes into race bikes, so I'm looking forward to that."

Smart enjoys having a hand in the development of his race bikes. Over the past two season's with Hawk Kawasaki he took a major role in the engine tuning of the Kawasaki's. However with his move to Rizla, he will not play such a hands on role within the team.

"I won't be so hands on at Rizla as they have enough staff to handle the job themselves, but saying that I'm sure everybody will be involved with the development," he said.

Scott was keen to add that he had left his former Hawk Kawasaki team on very good terms.

"I've had a great deal of fun and success with them (Hawk) over the last couple of seasons and wish them all the best in the future. We split on the best terms possible," he concluded.

Scott will join reigning British Superbike champion John Reynolds at the Verwood based team.

Scott is now preparing for a racing challenge of another kind as he jets off to Florida for the Model Car racing championships for three weeks break, before returning to Britain in time for the NEC International Motorcycle and Scooter show in Birmingham.

Crash.net has teamed up with the organisers of the show to give our readers an exclusive competition. Crash.net has ten pairs of tickets to be given away, all you have to do is click here and answer a very easy question.