Former British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne has signed to partner Stuart Easton in the Paul Bird Kawasaki BSB team for full factory title challenger in 2012.

The Cumbria-based team has spent the past four seasons in the World Superbike Championship but prior to that has won four British Championship titles, two of which came courtesy of Kent rider Byrne and Scotsman Easton, so by signing the two riders, Penrith businessman Paul Bird has assembled his 'dream team' for a concerted assault on the title.

"It's a bit like coming home as this will be the third time I'll have ridden for Paul and it's quite funny as you spend five minutes with the team and it's as if you've never been away! The team always puts out competitive bikes and the Kawasaki will be a major threat I reckon. You know Paul wouldn't be coming back to BSB if he didn't think he could win it so I think we'll have a real good shot at the title," said Byrne.

Easton added: "My injuries are healing well and everything should be sorted in time for me to start testing with the team as planned. It's great to be back with PBM and I appreciate the support they have given me this year whilst I was out. We have enjoyed so much success together in the past, I'm really looking forward to this challenge and if we can replicate that it will be great."