Iconic racing brand MV Agusta will make a factory-backed return to British racing next season when Hampshire Motorcycles, backed by MSS, will run in both the MCE British Superbike and Motorpoint British Supersport series under Tsingtao colours after becoming an MV dealer in recent weeks.

The team will switch from Kawasaki to the Italian marque after signing a deal to race two F4s and two F3s next season with full factory support. It is not known yet who will ride the bikes but team boss Dave Tyson is hopeful of keeping both Gary Mason and the team’s runaway Pirelli National Superstock 1000 leader Danny Buchan.

“The situation is two-fold really. We initially looked at becoming a Kawasaki dealer but something came up so we looked at other manufacturers we had worked with in the past and, direct with the factory, we have become their flagship store for the UK,” said team boss Dave Tyson, speaking to Bikesport News at Donington.

“As part of that we want to sell what we race. The business model has to be the same as Moto Rapido Ducati. Wilf is a good friend, he is racing the bikes and selling them, so the model works. If you look at the World Supersport results this year, with Jules Cluzel on the F3, the bike is definitely capable of running at the front.

“We know the F4 has been around a while and there have been a lot of updates but I am expecting that with all the effort that is going in at World Superbike level, there will be some updates next year too. We will be a factory-supported team. Nick Morgan and I were over there last week but we will be getting all the data from the factory and MSS will continue to be our technical partner.

“It was crucial, from our side, that we have someone of Nick’s stature and ability to develop both bikes. There is no saying that what they are doing at world level will work here. The first bikes have arrived at the shop and we will begin development work in the next few weeks.

“The plan currently is to run two F4s and two F3s. Certainly, if you look at the F3 in its Evo spec, because we have seen what will come in the kit ECU, it will be a strong competitor in the class. The F4 is being run under an Evo spec but in open World Superbikes rules so they can develop it and decide what the engine spec and parts will be. They have forfeited this year to go forward next.

“The F4 will arrive in a couple of weeks and we will start to develop it then. We have spoken to a few people about riding the F3 but I have one person in mind. Obviously, we would like to keep Danny on the Superbike but I think half the paddock wants him. He has a long history with Kawasaki, so I don’t know if he will take that option but we have offered him a chance to ride it. Gary is a brilliant development rider and having that experience would be an asset, I think and hope he will stay.”