Former Tena for Men Honda British Superbike man Michael Howarth will make a return to the series at Mallory Park after signing to ride with the STP MV Agusta team yesterday.

Howarth tested the bike at Cadwell Park and after turning in some respectable lap times, agreed to race the bike for the rest of the 2009 season. He last raced at Croft in 2008 where a big highside and broken collarbone put an end to his year.

"I did about 40 laps on the bike yesterday and felt really comfortable on it straight away. It's like riding a Ducati with an R1 engine in it," said Howarth, speaking to bikesportnews.com this afternoon.

"It was really only a shakedown so we could get the bars and pegs in the right places but I'm looking forward to getting a proper run out on it at Mallory. We will treat that like a bit of a test and then be on it properly at Brands Hatch.

"We are going to stay in the Superbike class so we can show what the Italian marque is still capable of doing and am looking forward to getting back racing again. I have stayed fit since the last ride, so we should be competitive towards the end of the season."

The STP team have parted company with youngster Victor Cox.