Former British Supersport Champion Billy McConnell will remain in the MCE British Superbike series next year after signing to ride for the Anvil TAG squad who are switching to Yamaha machinery for this year.

McConnell, who has previously raced for the team, returns for an assault on the 2016 season after a year in which the Adelaide-born rider raised many eyebrows with a strong season including a podium at Cadwell Park in August.

I’m really happy to get back on the Yamaha for 2016, and to rejoin the TAG Racing team. I have some history with the team after riding for them in 2011 in Supersport and it’s just coming back into familiar territory,” said McConnell.

“It’s also coincidence that the team are also supported by Tamworth Yamaha who has supported me in the past. I’m hoping the Yamaha will support my style a little more, just like a 600 so I’m really happy with it, I have a good team around me.”

“The superbike class is so tough, you need everything to blend in from the team and to the mechanics, it’s a little bit different for me after spending four years with the Smiths team, I’m excited but nervous in a good way as well because I’m working with a few new people again after settling down with them, but it’s a new start and it’s something that I really want to sink my teeth into.

“I think the bike will suit my style, I won’t be able to tell until I ride it but when I’ve seen it on track this year with Josh riding it, it looked so cool and its sounds cool and from just sitting on it, it feels like a Supersport bike but I think we will be alright on the Yamaha.”

Get more on this story in tomorrow’s Bikesport News