James Westmoreland will join James Ellison in the JG Speedfit Kawasaki MCE British Superbike team it was revealed at Motorcycle Live today.

The professional northerner has switched from the Buildbase Kawasaki team he rode for in 2013 and 2013, and replaces Chris Walker who moved to Tommy Hill’s Be Wiser team. Westmoreland spent the middle of this season injured but his team have an extensive test programme planned with an eye already on the Showdown.

“I’m delighted to be joining JG Speedfit Kawasaki, I’ve known Mark quite a while and I believe they are one of the very best teams in the paddock. They have the package I need to challenge right at the front, and when I say that I mean the whole package, not just the bike but testing, the technicians, set-up, everything! This year has been tough and I’m aiming to get my enjoyment back and of course enjoy some top results,” said Westmoreland.

“I worked really well with Roger (Smith, crew chief) when I was at WFR, we had a great year, so it’s important for me to have a good crew chief who I know well. The team obviously has a full development year under their belt too, so I know this is a bike that can win races. I’m now really looking forward to my first test on the JG Speedfit Kawasaki and am counting down the days.”