British Supersport and National Superstock regular Dean Hipwell will move up into the blue riband class in 2019 and take on the Bennetts British Superbike field.

Hipwell was a regular point scorer in the Superstock class last season and was previously a runner-up in both the British 125 and Supersport Cup championships, but has now set his sights on the step up to the Superbike class.

“I’m delighted to be moving into the BSB class after years in the British Supersport and Superstock Championships. It’ll be a huge learning curve for me and the team but we’re all really looking forward to it and it’s given us extra motivation throughout the long winter months,” said Hipwell.

“We are looking ahead to the New Year to get our testing programme underway before Silverstone and the first races of the season. I’ve never ridden a Superbike so there will be a lot to learn; slick tyres, the chassis and more, but I can’t wait to get started.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone that’s supported me and helping with the progression into BSB.”