MCE British Superbike Championship race-winner Alastair Seeley will return to the premier class for the 2016 season as the Carrickfergus contender joins the Royal Air Force BMW team after finishing runner-up in last year’s Superstock title battle.

Seeley has lifted titles in both the Supersport and Superstock classes and returns revitalised to the Superbike grid, having previously secured his first race win in the championship and a place in the MCE BSB Showdown in 2010. The 36-year-old is ready to build on his BMW experience with his new team and is relishing the opportunity to replicate his previous achievements this year.

“It is great to be back in the Superbike Championship, the elite class, again. I have been there before and know what it takes - I have had some seasons to regroup in Supersport and Superstock and I want to come back and pick up where I left off in 2012. I have obviously been keeping a close eye on BSB and it looks like it is not going to be easy with the level of riders on the grid and everyone is so close on times – but that is good for me and I am ready for the challenge,” said Seeley.

“I feel that my experience on the BMW in the Superstock class will help me this season and I am working with crew that I know already, which is a big bonus for me too. I want to start the season strongly, as when I was in the Showdown before you need to get yourself inside the top six and then to maintain it. We have a really good testing programme, so we should be able to start fighting from the opening round and moving forward from there. The team have proven they can be on the podium so I obviously want to try and make that happen again this year and be back in the Showdown again.”