Xavi Fores has joined Andrew Irwin to complete the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike championship rider line-up at Honda Racing.

Fores, a regular World Superbike podium finisher in 2018 with Barni Ducati, will make his BSB debut next season with the official Honda outfit.

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Fores, 33, has a number of titles to his name having become the CEV Superstock champion in 2010 and 2013, a European Superstock champion in 2013 and IDM Superbike champion in 2014 while he’s made a number of MotoGP wildcard entries.

“I am excited to come to England and race in British Superbikes,” Fores said. “I have always watched the racing and it looks like a fantastic series with a great fan base.

“To have the opportunity to race in the UK and ride new circuits excites me and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Thank you to Honda for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran, who bid goodbye to the rider line-up of Jason O’Halloran and Dan Linfoot at the end of this season after four consecutive campaigns together, is naturally thrilled to complete his 2019 rider line-up along with Tom Neave entering the Superstock class with Honda support.

“We are delighted to welcome a rider with Xavi’s experience and pedigree to the team,” Beltran said. “Xavi had an impressive season in World Superbikes finishing seventh and collecting numerous podiums in a competitive series.

“We can’t wait to get going with both testing and the 2019 season.”