STP doubles up MV Agusta challenge.

STP Motorsport has announced it will be expanding its assault on the British Superbike Cup in 2009 by entering a pair of MV Agusta bikes.

STP, who ran a sole F4 1000 machine for Chris Burns last year, has entered into a partnership with Bristol based JHS Racing, who will be managing and developing the two machines throughout the 2009 season.

In addition, STP is involved with MotoGB, the official importer and distributor of MV Agusta bikes in the UK, in the hope of receiving more technical support and parts to aid their development regime.

With new agreements in place that they hope will help the team forge their way up the grid, STP team principal Jon Strike claims they are already working on making the necessary improvements.

"The race bikes have already been subjected to a detailed inspection by JHS and they have identified a number of areas that will improve performance and reliability," he said. "The target now is to get everything in place in order that we can start testing as soon as possible."

"Having a partner on board like JHS will free up cash that would have been spent on engine development and testing. Hopefully, this will be of benefit in our ongoing search for a title partner for the team next season as the financial demands are reduced.

"Even in the current economic climate, I am convinced that the benefits of being involved with a brand as famous as MV Agusta and the marketing opportunities it presents, make sound economic sense."

No riders have been confirmed, but STP add that it is their intention to retain Burns, as well as promote Victor Cox to the Superbike team.

"This combination of experience and youthful exuberance, combined with the fact that both riders are familiar with the workings of the team should prove to be a major advantage as we challenge for honours in 2009."