MCE British Superbike veteran Michael Rutter will partner the returning Patrick Muff in the new-look Bathams BMW squad in 2014.

Rutter remains one of the most experienced riders on the Superbike grid, celebrating his 400th race start at Oulton Park last May and has set himself the goal of achieving a position inside the top six in the Showdown.

Swiss Muff returns to the grid after a season away from the Championship; the Swiss rider scored top ten finishes during his second campaign in 2012 and is aiming to build on his previous performances as he becomes the eighth different nationality to feature on the grid.

“I am really excited about this season and with new bikes it feels like a new start. I rode a BMW Superstock bike at the North West 200 back in 2010 and it was mega then so I am really looking forward to giving the Superbike a go. Over the past few seasons different teams have shown what a fantastic package the BMW is in BSB and the fact that it has featured in the Showdown for the past two seasons proves that,” said Rutter.

“I think looking ahead to this season that is what we should be setting ourselves as a goal; the top six is always going to be difficult because of the level of competition but that has to be what we are aiming for this year.”

Muff added: “I am over the moon to finally be back on the BSB grid this season - it feels like a birthday and Christmas all at once! I was working hard last year to come back and after a year without racing I will be concentrating on one race at a time, but of course my first goal is to have a solid start to the season at Brands Hatch.

“I believe that we have a very strong package; I know the team very well and they are working very hard to provide me with a competitive bike and then it’s in my turn to fight on the track for good results. I had some offers from teams in other championship but for me there was always only one goal and that was to be back in BSB.”