Bennetts Suzuki has announced that triple British Superbike Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and BSB race-winner Tommy Bridewell will spearhead the team's assault on the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in 2016.

Announced at Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham today, the signings of both Kiyonari and Bridewell signal the team's intent for 2016, with both riders proven contenders in the competitive series.

Kiyonari boasts significant BSB experience, with three championship titles to his name, while Bridewell has established himself as a regular challenger for race wins, after taking his first win in 2014 at Cadwell Park. Both will be aiming to add more wins to their respective tallies in 2016.

Kiyonari said:

“I have been racing in the BSB longer than any other series in my career, so I am happy to be able to continue in the championship next year. I have raced the Suzuki GSX-R1000 for the first time this year at the Suzuka 8-Hour and it's a great bike. I am happy that I am able to join Bennetts Suzuki for next year; the Halsall Racing team is a great team, and with the factory support I am confident that I will be racing for my fourth BSB title.” 

Bridewell said:

“I'm looking forward to riding for Bennetts Suzuki next season, and looking forward to enjoying my racing again. I'd had a few conversations with Martin [Halsall] towards the end of last season, and it became clear he wanted me onboard and I wanted to ride for the team. The team is capable of winning races and winning championships, and has a good structure in place; and that was important for me. I'm happy to be getting back on a Suzuki again. I started my career on a Suzuki and have ridden a few GSX-Rs in the past, and my brother rode a Suzuki as well, so we're a bit of a Suzuki family. I'm excited about riding for them next season.” 

Team Owner Martin Halsall added:

“In Kiyo and Tommy we've got two riders who have proven they have what it takes to run right at the very front in BSB, and as a team we're looking forward to getting started. It was our first year with the GSX-R1000 last year but now we've spent some time learning the bike and gathering data and information; in 2016 we're aiming high. Our target is to get both riders into the Showdown and hopefully be in a position to challenge for the title come the final round. We'll work hard to get the bikes prepared over winter, ready for testing.”