Team owner Shaun Muir has secured backing from popular website Bike Animal (www.bikeanimal.com) to join existing title sponsors Hydrex and he has drafted in former MotoGP rider James Ellison to join the charismatic Guy Martin with the pair having the latest Honda machinery at their disposal.

Ellison, a former World Endurance and double European Superstock Champion, won the British Superbike Cup in 2004 and he has returned after a season racing in America last year whereas Martin will combine his BSB duties with his assault on the pure roads of the TT, North West 200 and Ulster GP.

With the bikes late in arriving and recent testing being blighted by the weather, the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda team are planning an extensive week of testing which sees them heading to Almeria in Spain for two days next week, and then on to Calafat before returning just in time for Brands Hatch. Since the Snetterton test was snowed off over Easter, the team has been at Croft today and hopes to test again at Knockhill before leaving for Spain.

"We're delighted to welcome Bike Animal into the team and of course, are very pleased to continue our long term association with Hydrex" said Muir. "This is going to be an exciting season for Hydrex Bike Animal Honda what with James coming back to BSB and Guy continuing his great form from last year. Circumstances haven't helped recently but over this next week, we plan on getting our bikes and riders up to speed and come Brands Hatch, I'm confident that we'll be very well prepared."

The opening round of the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Brands Hatch over the weekend of April 4/5/6th.