SMT Kawaskai’s Filip Backlund will replace the departed Ian Hutchinson at FFX Yamaha for the remaining MCE British Superbike rounds, starting at Donington Park next weekend.

The Swedish rider currently races for genial Robin Croft’s SMT Kawasaki Pirelli National Superstock team and Croft, who is a close friend of FFX Yamaha team principal Shaun Muir, has mothballed his operation in order for Backlund to make the step up.

“I’m very pleased and happy about this opportunity that FFX Yamaha has given me. The last four rounds from Donington Park will be a completely new challenge for me. I have a good base to start with as I will also be working with my SMT crew which is a big bonus as it will give me continuity and confidence from the start,” said Backlund.

“We all know that I’m jumping on a new bike in a new class which is a challenge, but I want to be able to prove myself and show that I belong in the BSB class now. I want to thank FFX Yamaha, SMT Racing, Mats Nilsson all my partners and other people that is supporting me during this journey.”