Irish champion McCormack joins MAR.

Irish Superbike Champion Brian McCormark will join the British Superbike Championship in 2009 after concluding a deal with MAR Adept.

McCormack, who fought off Michael Pearson and Denvor Robb to win the 2008 title, will target the Cup series this year riding a privateer Kawasaki for Malcolm Ashley.

A significant new challenge for him, McCormack is nonetheless excited about the challenge he faces over the coming season.

"With the experience of the team and the bikes that are provided I hope to be a top Superbike Cup challenger. I am excited for both myself and the team and being part of the BSB paddock. After meeting the team it has confirmed my thoughts that they are professional and very well established within the fabric of the BSB paddock."

Team manager Malcolm Ashley, who finished ninth overall in the 2008 Cup standings, was delighted to be welcoming McCormack to the team.

"We are very excited to be signing the current ISB Champion as I have been watching Brian's progress from a distance for a few years. We look forward to some rounds having a three race format as this will be invaluable to Brian in terms of gaining experience and knowledge of the tracks. With our pre-season testing kicking off in February we have a very busy schedule ahead which we are very excited about."

McCormack joins Gary Mason and Alastair Fagan in confirming their Cup entries, while STP Motorsport will also enter a pair of MV Agusta bikes in 2009.