Honda have confirmed that reigning British Superstock Champion Steve Brogan will partner John McGuinness in the Padgett's Superstock team for the 2009 season.

Budget cuts forced the main HM Plant squad to re-evaluate their position and have decided to extend their partnership with Padgett's, who ran McGuinness in Supersport last year.

Honda (UK)’s Head of Racing, Neil Tuxworth said: “We recently reviewed all of our bike racing activities and, given the current economic climate, decided to extend our involvement with Padgett’s of Batley for 2009.

"Padgetts now running in the British Superstock Championship will provide both Steve and Honda with a good opportunity – for Steve, to challenge for his title on the Fireblade and with a great team and team-mate, and for Honda, to have two riders representing us on the Fireblade in the championship.

"Padgett’s Honda is an independent team but we are looking forward to supporting the team and the riders over the coming year to win races and hopefully the championship.”

Brogan added: "Although I’ll now be racing with the Padgett’s rather than the HM Plant Honda team, it’s business as usual for me – it’s just that the bike and my team shirt will be a different colour.

"I’ll still be racing on a standard Fireblade like I won the championship on last year and I already have a good relationship with Clive Padgett and his team, who run a really professional outfit and have a successful history in racing.
Steve Plater will remain in HM Plant colours for his British Supersport campaign.