Hickman graduates for Cup challenge.

British Superstock front runner Peter Hickman has become the latest person to commit to the 2009 British Superbike Cup.

After a handful of outings in 2008 with the Red Viper team, Hickman returns to the premier class after a successful year in Superstocks where he finished third overall, behind only HM Plant Honda and Raceways Yamaha.

Sticking with his self-run Ultimate Racing Yamaha team, Hickman has set his sights on Cup favourite Gary Mason in his bid to challenge for the title.

"I can't wait to get back out on a superbike as running in BSB is so different to racing in the Superstock class," he told the British Superbike website. "You have to be so accurate on a superbike in terms of braking, racing lines and acceleration compared to on a Superstock machine and you really can't afford to make any mistakes.

"I have decided to make the move back to BSB as this is progression for me and the Ultimate Racing team. Last season we proved that we can compete with the big teams in the championship on a limited budget in the Superstock class and now with extra backing from Sleaford Racing, Steve and Lindsay Pugh and Louth Volksworld I want to prove myself in BSB.

"The competition is going to be tough and I know that Gary (Mason) is going to be up there like he was last season, but I have beaten him before and I don't see why I can't do it again. I want to be winning races in the Cup and then my aim is to upset some of the factory teams before the end of the year."

Hickman is the fifth rider to confirm his presence in the Cup, with another two promised from the STP MV Agusta team.