Derbyshire's Jon Kirkham will take his seat in the Honda UK British Superbike team in 2012 despite having what he calls 'and up and down year' but remains excited and upbeat about his chances under the new rules.

Kirkham just missed out on a Showdown place this year but stood on top of the podium at Croft for his debut win on the Samsung Suzuki. It is believed he will take the electronics giant to Honda as a backer of one description or another.

“It is absolutely fantastic for me to be joining the official Honda team as they are well established and the most successful team in the BSB paddock. I really do believe they will have the package to beat with the new technical regulations as you could see how strong the Honda Fireblade was in the Evo championship last season, and the new for 2012 ‘Blade looks set to be even stronger," said Kirkham.

"2011 was an up and down season for me so next year I just want to concentrate on my riding and getting the Honda up the front where we want and need to be. I want to be consistently ‘up there’. This season I have proved I can be, so I now need to do that every race and with the Honda team I believe that is totally possible. I have my own expectations; I am sure everyone does, but I definitely want to exceed them next year. I have never been so excited about a season as I am about 2012 and I just want to get started now.”