Farmer waiting on BSB nod from Bird

Northern Ireland's Keith Farmer remains hopeful he will be granted the chance to step up to the British Superbike class in 2013.

Farmer, who followed up his Superstock 600 title capture in 2010 by adding the 1000cc crown this season, is waiting for confirmation of his position from Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki team owner Paul Bird.

Cumbrian entrepreneur Bird's plans hinge on Shane 'Shakey' Byrne's preferred destination in 2013, with this year's BSB champion debating whether or not to remain in the championship and defend his title or move to MotoGP to ride for Bird in the CRT class.

Clogher man Farmer told the Belfast News Letter: "It's just a matter of wait and see at the minute.

"It's a bit frustrating because I don't know for certain what I'll be doing next year, but Paul has told me he will look after me whatever happens.

"It depends a lot on what 'Shakey's' plans are because if he goes to MotoGP then Paul will be running a two-man team and might not bother with BSB.

"Even if that happens, Paul has told me he'll look after me and I believe him because he's been good to his word in the past," added Farmer.

"He wants to keep me next season and hopefully I'll be able to get a ride sorted out soon.

"I'm heading over to the NEC Show and we should have something finalised in time for that."

Should Byrne opt to stay in BSB, Ulsterman Farmer looks poised to form a two-man team for Bird on the team's Kawasaki ZX-10R machines.

Scotsman Stuart East rode alongside Byrne in BSB this year but last week signed with Ulster's Mar-Train Yamaha team to contest the British Supersport class in 2013.