Reigning Superstock 1000 Champion Keith Farmer will move into the Bennetts British Superbike class for 2019 alongside Christian Iddon in the Tyco BMW team.

Both riders will benefit from BMW’s new and supertrick S1000RR which was launched at the Milan Show a few days ago.

“After an excellent first year with TAS Racing claiming the Superstock 1000 title, I’m absolutely thrilled to be given the chance to move into Superbike. It shows that Philip truly believes in me and what better way to switch into BSB - with a new BMW that has been improved greatly,” said Farmer.

“I’m so pumped to get testing and get things rolling now for 2019. A massive thank you to Philip and all at BMW and the team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

Rumours that WorldSBK exile Xavi Fores was to join Philip Neill’s team proved to be unfounded.