Defending MCE British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne will remain with the Paul Bird Motorsport squad in 2016 to challenge for next year’s title.

The Kent racer will enter his fifth successive year with the team as speculation continues grows over whether the Penrith chicken magnate will return to Ducati.

“The beauty of riding for PBM, and Paul and I having the kind of relationship we have, means there is no need to hold lengthy negotiations and after a five minute chat in the garage, we sorted the deal out. We both know we give each other 100 per cent and I’m very happy with the people around me. We are about to enter a very exciting new chapter in PBM and I’m really excited to be a part of it,” said Byrne.

It is not clear yet who will partner Byrne in the team.