After weeks of speculation, Hawk Racing have confirmed they team up with Suzuki and the brand new GSX-R1000 for 2017 in a deal that will see the Japanese manufacturer field an as yet unnamed two-rider line-up in the MCE British Superbike Championship.

Running the new GSX-R - which boasts technology taken directly from Suzuki’s GSX-RR MotoGP racer - sees Hawk Racing become one of only four superbike teams worldwide to be officially supported by the firm in 2017, joining the illustrious company of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT), as well as both the Yoshimura MotoAmerica team and the Yoshimura team for the Suzuka Eight-Hours.

“For Hawk to be working with a manufacturer that has a history of racing is very important. What Suzuki has done in MotoGP in such a short space of time is impressive, and there is so much technology that has come from the GP bike to the new GSX-R1000. We have met with the project leader and I think they’ve done an unbelievable job with the new bike, and we’re confident of putting it at the front,” said team boss Stuart Hicken.

Taylor Mackenzie will remain with the team but it is not yet decided in which series he will compete.

Mackenzie added: “I’m really excited for 2017. I’ve had a really successful year with Hawk Racing in 2016, and I couldn’t have imagined riding for anyone else next year. I’m also really glad to be returning to Suzuki. They’ve made a massive step forward with in every area with the new bike, and I think it’ll be great from the word go. And with Hawk behind me again I have every faith that we’ll be in for a great year in 2017.”

Sylvain Guintoli is hotly tipped to be one of the team’s riders but it is believed the Frenchman is hanging on for a slot in the Ioda Aprilia WSBK team…