British 250GP star Eugene Laverty will contest two World Superbike rounds in Britain this year alongside Gregorio Lavilla on a brand new Honda Fireblade in the Vent Axia VK Honda team.
Laverty, who is struggling to get points finishes this season on his privateer Aprilia, has been watched by team boss Paul Bird and his team co-ordinator Stuart Bland, and both men say they are keen to get him back into the public consciousness.
Bland said: "He is a great rider with so much natural talent. We are preparing a brand new Honda for him to ride at Brands Hatch and Donington Park just so we can see how he gets on but we think he will shock a few people.
"It will also be useful for us to have another rider alongside Greg to compare data."