Former WorldSBK king Tom Sykes has been confirmed in the PBM Ducati squad alongside Josh Brookes for this year's British Superbike series.

Sykes makes his full-time return to Britain for the first time since 2008, when he finished fourth, claiming wins and podium finishes, before he moved to the World Championship.

"I am very excited and motivated for this great opportunity to race in BSB with PBM. In terms of a domestic championship, it certainly doesn’t get any better - the level of competition is obviously high and there is some great talent," said Sykes.

"To be back with PBM is fantastic, it is a team I have been a part of before, both in BSB and in WSBK and one that has all of the pedigree for the task ahead.

“I will also be riding a Ducati for the first time in my career after riding for five other manufacturers in the Superbike category. This alone adds more excitement and motivation to the pot! It will also be interesting to explore the different characteristics of the bike in BSB with the different technical regulations. Finally, to be part of PBM and Ducati in BSB, racing in front of the home crowd makes me really happy.”