Vittorio Iannuzzo will return to the MCE British Superbike Championship grid this season for his first full campaign in the series. The Italian joins the Supersport race-winning team, Gearlink Kawasaki and will become the ninth different nationality to be represented in the 2016 line-up.

The experienced former European Superstock champion made his debut in the British Championship last season with several appearances, but the 33-year-old Italian is now relishing the opportunity to work with the hard-working team.

Iannuzzo said:

"I am proud to be part of this team because they are already one of the top teams in the Supersport Championship and when I met with them I had the feeling that they also want to become the same in the Superbike class, so together we can have goals for the season ahead. The team has some really cool people and we have a good test schedule planned so for sure it should be an easier start to the season this time for me compared to last year. I last rode a Kawasaki in 2008, but it was a long time ago, so I don't think it will be possible to compare but I feel I have more experience now - we will be ready for the first round.

"We must work hard together this year to get results but I am looking forward to that this year. We know that BSB is one of the strongest championships in the world, with so many top riders and teams, but we can progress in every race and we will be trying hard to make steps forward at every round."

Team owner Michael de Bidaph commented:

"I am really happy to have signed Vittorio for the 2016 British Superbike season. I was in talks with him last year but at that time he had other commitments so I am now delighted to be working together this season.

"It will certainly be a challenge for both of us especially as Vittorio is not that familiar with the British circuits but I am confident that, with the passion we both have to succeed, we will be able to have a great season."