Harris joins Kiyonari at HM Plant Honda.

Karl Harris has been signed to partner 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship runner-up Ryuichi Kiyonari at the factory backed HM Plant Honda team next season.

Harris, who will be replacing Michael Rutter, won the British Supersport Championship with Honda in 2003 and 2004 - the second year being spent in HM Plant colours - before he was rewarded for his achievements with a 'satellite' Honda-Racing.co.uk BSB ride for 2005.

Pic: Tim Keeton/Raymonds Press Agency. 7.10.05.British Superbike Championship, Round13, Brands Hatch
Pic: Tim Keeton/Raymonds Press Agency. 7.10.05.British Superbike…
© Raymonds Press

Karl Harris has been signed to partner 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship runner-up Ryuichi Kiyonari at the factory backed HM Plant Honda team next season.

Harris, who will be replacing Michael Rutter, won the British Supersport Championship with Honda in 2003 and 2004 - the second year being spent in HM Plant colours - before he was rewarded for his achievements with a 'satellite' Honda-Racing.co.uk BSB ride for 2005.

Harris finished seventh overall in this year's 13-round BSB series, with a best result of two third positions at Oulton Park in May.

"There isn't a rider in the British Superbike Championship paddock who would have turned down this opportunity," grinned Karl. "Riding the HRC-backed CBR1000RR Fireblade is the pinnacle of my career so far and I am determined to succeed. I'm also looking forward to returning to HM Plant Honda Racing colours and would like to thank them for their continued support."

Meanwhile, the retention of Honda favourite Kiyonari will not come as a surprise: As well as winning the prestigious Suzuka 8-hour endurance race in Japan, Kiyo won 12 races in the British Superbike Championship and finished second overall behind Gregorio Lavilla.

His 2006 mission will undoubtedly be to win the British Superbike Championship title at his third attempt.

"I am of course happy to ride for HM Plant Honda Racing once again," said the former MotoGP rider. "I enjoy competing in the British Superbike Championship on the factory Fireblade. Next season I hope that I can continue to improve as a rider so that I can win more races and possibly the championship."

"I believe that HM Plant Honda Racing is in a strong position for next season's British Superbike Championship," added Honda Racing race team manager Neil Tuxworth. "After finishing second and third in this year's series, there is only one more step to take for the team to reach its goal of winning the title.

"Rider selection is obviously a key part of the team's strategy. Kiyo has been superb in 2005, and with a higher level of consistency, there is no doubt that he will once again be one of the leading contenders for the title.

"Karl has also earned his place in the team thanks to the hard work and loyalty he has shown over the past three years. His renewed commitment to HM Plant Honda Racing and elevation to the factory CBR1000RR Fireblade can only be good news for the future of the sport in the UK," Tuxworth concluded.

Rutter is still to announce his 2006 plans, but is likely to be in discussion with the likes of Rizla Suzuki, Stobart Honda and Virgin Yamaha.

Read More