Paul Bird Motorsport has confirmed it will defend its British Superbike Championship [BSB] in 2024 after agreeing a deal to run a single-bike entry for Glenn Irwin.

The nine-time BSB title-winning team's participation in the series had been uncertain following the sudden death of its eponymous founder and owner Paul Bird in September 2023.

However, following a re-organisation of the team and a relocation of its base, PBM has confirmed it will continue in BSB with Irwin, who finished runner-up to team-mate Tommy Bridewell by just half-a-point last season.

After months of uncertainty, Irwin says he is relieved to have secured a deal as he strives for an elusive BSB title win.

"For the people reading this it must be a relief as I have been inundated with messages from fans asking me about what I am doing this season, which has been really nice and I am so grateful for their support.

"It might sound like a cliché, but there was never really anywhere else I wanted to be, despite interest from elsewhere when there was some uncertainty, my heart and attention was always to remain with PBM.

“To touch on last year, we had an amazing season working together, and after four years apart we came back together and I think in that time I have grown up and matured.

"The team went through a lot last year, but it was also an amazing year and the championship was one of the most exciting in history and I am extremely grateful to have been a part of that.

"It didn’t work out in my favour as such, but it doesn’t take any of the sweetness away from it because we had great success.