Honda Racing UK announce four-rider BSB line-up with addition of Tom Neave

2021 British Superstock 1000 champion Tom Neave will make the step-up to BSB after Honda Racing UK announced the signing. 

Neave will join what was a three-rider strong line-up of Glenn Irwin and Japanese riders Takumi Takahashi and Ryo Mizuno. 

The addition of Neave now sees Honda Racing have the largest rider and bike total on the grid with four, which is one more than FHO Racing BMW. 

Neave said: "I’m not sure I can sum this up into a short one really but racing in the Superbike series is what I have worked towards since I started on tarmac, but certainly since I have been with Honda the aim was always to get into Superbike. 

"I’ve served my apprenticeship finishing as runner-up in 2020 and this year becoming the Superstock champion, and now it’s time to graduate up to the next level, where the real work starts!

"I have never been so motivated to make it happen and can’t wait to figure it all out and just get testing on the Superbike now, it’s finally become a reality and I couldn’t be happier. 

"Thank you to Honda Racing UK, Harv, Neil and everyone who has stood by, believed and worked with me to make this happen – 2022 I can’t wait!"

Once again leading the team in 2022 will be Glenn Irwin who showed impressive pace at times this past season, however, injuries curtailed any hope of a consistent title challenge.

Next season will be Irwin’s third season with Honda - most of their current riders, while adding BSB rookie Neave to the team was a move Irwin wanted to see them make, despite already having Takahashi and Mizuno in the fold. 

"I’m delighted to sign again with Honda Racing UK for the third consecutive season. I think we’ve had two years of a good foundation and an excellent debut with the Fireblade SP, and despite lots of little challenges we have learnt a lot about the bike," added Irwin. 

"I expect good things and especially with the development from this season, what I want and what the team wants is to step up and to fight more with the top runners on a consistent basis. 

"Having Ryo [Mizuno] and Takumi [Takahashi] staying with the team is good and I enjoyed working with them this season and the input they had. 

"At times they were starting to show more pace which will only help the team moving forward. 

"Tom [Neave] stepping up is fantastic and a teammate I’ve been wanting, he’s young, he’s hungry, very dedicated and will certainly keep me on my toes! 

"It does no harm to have a teammate like that. I think 2022 can be a good season. 

"I’ve been under the knife recently for my shoulder getting that fixed and I am looking forward to going into a new season clear of injury and I am looking forward to going testing."