Honda UK's Motorcycling General Manager has said that although the firm is making cuts on a global scale, in particular Formula One, its commitment to racing in the UK is safe – but he added the firm will be looking to make savings.

Speaking with www.bikesportnews this afternoon, Steve Martindale confirmed that the HM Plant team would continue in British Superbikes for 2009 but with a reduced testing schedule.

"Honda has come and gone from touring cars and rallying but we have always been in motorcycle racing and always will be," said Martindale. "Of course, we have to take a look at what is essential and what is nice to have.

"We have made some alterations to the HM Plant Honda testing schedule but we will always go racing. Honda is synomymous with bike racing and if we didn't do that, we would have to look long and hard how we would promote the company in other ways."