Former Pirelli National Superstock 1000 race winner Richard Cooper will return to the class in 2017 after agreeing to remain with the Hawk Racing team who will run in Bennetts Suzuki colours for 2017.

Cooper has effectively switched places with 2016 Superstock king Taylor Mackenzie, who will partner Sylvain Guintoli on the BSB-spec GSX-R1000Rs, and the 33 year old is familiar with longer races and is thoroughly looking forward to the challenge. The new regulations have heightened the championship status and with factory support from Suzuki, Cooper is positive that he can lead the team and Suzuki to success in 2017.

“I’m really excited to go racing next year for lots of reasons. Firstly, being involved with the new Bennetts Suzuki team is something that really appealed to me, I know how important it will be to the manufacturer to fight for the Superstock championship in 2017 and with the new format of races it should work in my favour,” he said.

“I’ve proved I can win races in any championship that I choose to ride in and Hawk racing has won this title twice before once with Taylor Mackenzie last year and I won it back in 2011 for them so I know I’ve got the best team around to do the job.

“I’m under no illusion it will be easy next year as there is already a long list of ex BSB riders and already well established Superstock riders ready for the fight, but, the one advantage I have is the new GSX-R1000 looks very good on paper and even better in real life and with the direct factory support we will be getting I’m sure we will be a winning combination.”