Thomas signs for Hawk, Smart moves to Rizla?

Hawk Kawasaki have announced an all Australian rider line-up with Glen Richards and Dean Thomas as their riders in the 2005 British Superbike Championship.

"You know, Hawk have been up there all year, winning races and taking podiums. They finished fourth in the championship and the Kawasaki is looking superb, so I'm extremely happy," smiled Thomas.

"I know the Hawk crew well from the paddock and they're a great bunch, I can't wait to work with them. Stuart (Hicken, team owner) really knows what he's doing and I'm sure we're gonna work well together. I'm really looking forward to testing and seeing what I can do with the bike.

"The Hawk Kawasaki has been competitive during the 2004 season and I am looking forward to testing the bike out soon" added an excited Deano. "I finished seventh in this year's championship and feel that the Hawk Kawasaki will give me a bigger opportunity. When I ride I want to win. Regular podium finishes are now realistic."

Meanwhile, Richards enters his fourth year with the Leicestershire based team and is delighted to have the opportunity to further develop the ZX-10R.

"It was a pretty easy decision for me. I know the team well and get on really good with Stuart," said Glen. "As far as I'm concerned I've got some unfinished business with the Hawk guys, I've spent most of the year injured and I want to get back out there, fully fit and give the championship a real shake-up.

"The way the bike has developed this year has been awesome, and I know there's a lot more work to be done over the winter, so I can't wait," he added. "As for Deano joining the team, I've known him years and we get on real good. He's a great development rider as well as a strong racer so I know we can work hard together to get a good bike for the start of the season."

Hawk Kawasaki team owner Hicken was equally pleased as he announced his 2005 rider line-up: "I'm delighted with the new look Hawk Kawasaki and are looking forward to the new season and future success. I can only see the team improving on the results of last year and I think we'll have a bonza year!"

Scott Smart, who rode for the Hawk team this year, is thus no longer part of their rider line-up - fuelling rumours that he has signed for Rizla Suzuki for 2005. Smart was seen having in-depth conversations with Rizla Suzuki boss Paul Denning at the last round of British Superbikes at Donington Park.

Although it is unconfirmed that he has made this move, it is highly likely a space has been made for him by the unofficial reports that Yukio Kagayama will be placed at the new Alstare Suzuki World Superbike team by his Suzuki factory bosses.

John Reynolds has already stated that he would like to stay at Rizla Suzuki for 2005 to defend his 2004 championship win.