Haydon retained by Rizla Suzuki.

James Haydon has been confirmed aboard a Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 for next year's British Superbike Championship, following a strong end to the 2005 campaign.

Haydon only joined the team mid-way through the season, but played a key role in developing the GSX-R1000 race bike. He will now be able to put that experience to good use, firstly during an extensive winter test programme, and then during a complete season in 2006.

"I am thrilled and excited to be staying with Rizla Suzuki," Haydon, who has been bounced from team to team in recent years, admitted, "To know that I will be racing on the best bike with the support of the best team behind me is a dream come true. I'm over the moon to be honest. Thank you to Rizla and Suzuki for their faith in me - I can't wait to get racing again and repaying that loyalty with the podium finishes the team deserves.

"Staying with the team gives us continuity, and we will be aiming to capitalise on the good work and strong end-of-season results from 2005. We finished this year in good shape and now we can build on that confidence and competitiveness through the winter.

Haydon scored his best result of the 2005 season at the final round of the championship at Brands Hatch, taking pole position and a third place podium finish.

"It is great news that we are able to keep James on the Rizla Suzuki," team manager Robert Wicks agreed, "James is a determined, talented racer and the excitement and passion he brings to the team is infectious. We're hoping he will be to realise his full potential next year and will be giving him our full support to do so.

"He knows the bike intimately and that will greatly assist our winter testing programme and allow us to start the 2006 season in the best possible condition, ready to challenge from the off."

An announcement regarding the team's second rider will be made soon.