FS-3 Kawasaki have announced Billy McConnell will return with the team for the 2017 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship and have also revealed a new title partnership with Quattro Plant.

The team will continue their association with Kawasaki for their second season in the championship, already beginning their preparations with the ZX-10R ahead of further upgrades in the New Year when the new RR homologation model becomes available.

Australian McConnell will remain with the team for a second season after some strong finishes in their debut year and will be joined by American James Rispoli who will line up in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship, alongside wildcard appearances in the Superbike class. The American’s two-year deal will see him return full-time to the Superbike class in 2018.

“This is really exciting for me to return with the team for next season. We have some great work going on behind the scenes and I am ready to move forward again in 2017. It is so important to have consistency in this championship and that is what we need to take into next year,” said McConnell

“I want to be aiming for consistent top ten finishes with top fives too and then we will see what happens. We want to come back stronger and together we are working hard to come out fighting from round one.”

Rispoli added: “I think 2017 is going to be a huge year for us; we have a two-year deal to be in Superstock next season with a mix of Superbike at the end of the year with Kawasaki. I’m really excited as working with Nigel and the team is everything I could wish for. I see next year as a diagonal step, it is the best option for me and puts me in a great position for 2018.

“We are all very excited to get the new season underway; FS-3 is a great, professional team who want to make the next step forward and support each other all the way. I think I can grow with this team and manufacturer – it is huge for me. Our goal is to win the Superstock title and bring it home for Kawasaki.”