Newly-crowned British Supersport Champion Glen Richards has emerged as favourite to take the second HM Plant Honda superbike ride alongside WSB refugee Gregorio Lavilla.

Richards, who won the title at Silverstone, hasn't got a firm offer from his Embassy Triumph team as the quad's major backer suffered a massive financial crisis and cannot commit to the 2009 season.

It is believed that Honda boss Neil Tuxworth and team manager Havier Beltran have been in talks with not only Richards but Neil Hodgson and World Supersport rider Josh Brookes, who is deputising for the injured Steve Brogan in the Supersport race this weekend.

Richards has had several seasons in the major championship with the Kawk Kawasaki team and Hydrex outfits.