Housewives' favourite Chris Walker will team up with road race ace James Hiller for a crack at the British Superbike title in 2012 after their squads amalgamated under the new Elite class regulations.

Walker is a well-known face in the BSB paddock, having been runner up more times than he will care to remember, while Hillier has narrowly missed the Evo podium but is learning fast.

“It is exciting that the team has come together; to join forces is great as they have some big plans and it is fantastic to be able to be back on the BSB grid next year. For me it is brilliant to be with the same team for a second consecutive season as we know what we need to build on and how we can make improvements," said Walker, who has just opened his own raxe school at Mallory Park.

"I am familiar with the team and the Kawasaki and the new rules I think will suit riders like me who have raced Superbikes for over a decade; hopefully that experience will close the gap. I was desperate to be back in BSB in 2012 and we want to be pushing for the top six in the Showdown as that is my ambition. We had some top five finishes last year and we will return more prepared so hopefully we can achieve that goal as the team and the machine have the potential.”

Hillier, who is fresh from racing at Macau, added: “I am really looking forward to next season and working alongside Chris as a two man team. Last season was my first full year and as a one rider team it does make it more difficult, whereas in 2012 we will be able to work together and I can learn from him and his experience.

"Everyone knows it is hard racing in BSB but everyone in the team will be determined and giving one hundred percent. We have some data now from last year so we have a better starting point and with the new rules I don’t think we will now be a million miles away. For me I want to have a consistent year and score top ten finishes and I think the team’s hard work is invaluable in order to do this.”