Former MotoGP 125cc rider Taylor Mackenzie will switch to the British Supersport Championship this year and join Jack Kennedy in the Ireland-based Mar-Train team after effectively growing out of the Grand Prix tiddler series.

Mackenzie had an up-and-down time last year with some good results tempered with machinery problems on a bike that was far from competitive at that level. It will be the first time he has raced a four-stroke for a British season.

"I’m really excited to be riding in British Supersport this season with Mar-Train. I had a tough season in Grand Prix last year, so it’s nice to have the deal completed and be able to concentrate on my training programme," said the young Scotsman.

"I was at my limit on the 125 last year size-wise: I was squashed onto it! At times I’d sore knees and was trying to stay as skinny as possible all year, but having ridden an R6 in Spain before the New Year it was so nice and comfortable to ride.

"The BSB calendar now has so many good tracks to race at and I’ve ridden at Assen this last three years, so that will obviously help. Having Jack in the team next year will be great, as I’ll have someone to learn from. I just need to concentrate on getting stronger now to ride the 600. I can’t wait.”