Bjorn Estment will make his Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut when the season gets underway at Silverstone this Easter, joining the NP Motorcycles team to campaign a BMW S1000RR.

The South African has been a regular contender in the Quattro Group British Supersport and Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championships in recent seasons, including podium finishes in the Supersport Cup class.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to the opportunity the NP Motorcycles team have given me to line up on the Bennetts British Superbike grid,” said Estment.

“This is a great moment in my career as worldwide the series is highly regarded and surely the most competitive and professional domestic championship around the globe.

“I enjoyed my experience on a Superbike in EWC and we took a P4 finish at the Bol’dor last year. Myself and the team are realistic about the job at hand and are aiming for a step-by-step approach into the season and aiming for continued improvement along the way as there will be a lot to learn.

I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and to gelling with the squad and the BMW S1000RR Superbike.

“I want to say a massive thanks to all the people in my corner who have consistently stood by me and who make these opportunities possible. I’m currently hard at work training in South Africa both on a bike and off it - I can’t wait to get going when I return to the UK next week.”

Estment is aiming to build on his Superbike experience in the Endurance World Championship, where he has battled for top five positions, finishing in fourth place at last year’s Bol’dor event.

The team will also feature in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship with Ashley Beech.