Muggeridge to front Celani WSBK return.

Karl Muggeridge will remain in the World Superbike Championship next year after it was confirmed he will race a Suzuki prepared by Superstock graduates Team Celani.

The Italian-based concern had been rumoured to be making the step back up to the premier class with Suzuki's Superstock title challenger Xavier Simeon, but have instead settled on the services of 2004 Supersport Champion Muggeridge, who switches from DFX Honda.

After a season with no full-time privateer Suzuki on the grid, Celani will be getting support from the factory Alstare team, with the deal seeing Muggeridge get the opportunity to ride a new GSX-R1000K9.

Muggeridge comes to Celani, who last competed in 2007 with newly announced Sterilgarda Ducati rider Alex Polita, desperate to revive his reputation following a series of frustrating seasons with Honda.

Enduring two years of disappointment with the leading Ten Kate Honda team in 2005 and 2006, Muggeridge moved to Alto Evolution in 2007 and then DFX Corse this season, where he managed a best of sixth place in Spain and Italy.

Indeed, during his four years in the series, Muggeridge hasn't managed a single podium and is yet to finish inside the top ten in the overall WSBK standings. He will be hoping a move to Suzuki marks a turnaround in his fortunes.

Meanwhile, Loic Napoleone will spearhead Celani's Superstock efforts and while a second rider is yet to be announced soon, the team claim to be close to a deal with Tommy Bridewell.