Andrew Irwin will return to Honda Racing UK for the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, completing a familiar line-up alongside Tom Neave aboard the race-winning Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Irwin returns to the manufacturer that he celebrated his first ever BSB victory with in 2019 at Thruxton and recorded the milestone debut race victory at Donington Park for the all-new Fireblade a year later.
Neave remains with the Louth-based squad for his second year in the premier class. After completing his rookie season in 2022, the 2021 Pirelli National Superstock champion is ready to take the next step in the series.
Japanese riders Ryo Mizuno and Takumi Takahashi will move to racing pastures new for the 2023 season. Having enjoyed two seasons of learning new circuits, paddock and culture, the next step in their career will see them leave Bennetts BSB. Honda Racing UK thank them for their contribution and given their wealth of experience, it is hoped that they will still support the team during testing both before and during next season.
Honda Racing UK secured five victories and a further five podiums in 2022 with the Fireblade SP and finished runner-up in the 2022 title battle and are now looking ahead to the new campaign.
Irwin said: “I am really excited to have signed for Honda for 2023 and I can’t wait to get back on the Fireblade. It was a bike I loved and I believe I am getting on an even better bike than when I left two years ago so I can’t wait to get back on it and just to get stuck into it. I can’t thank Neil and Harv enough for giving me the opportunity to return and I hope I can do a good job.
“The bike is good which Glenn proved in 2022 and there is no reason why we can’t have a strong championship. I think we have a strong team with good people around me. I plan to have a really good off season and work hard and try to come into 2023 season in the best shape possible. I can’t wait to get back on board and look forward to testing in March.”
Neave said: “I’m absolutely delighted to remain with Honda Racing for what will be my fifth consecutive season in 2023. We have achieved a lot together over the previous seasons, so to remain on the Fireblade for another year will be a positive step for me.
“There’s no denying my first full season on the superbike has been a tough one, but continuity is key at this point and the experience I have gained along the way has been invaluable. Next season I look forward to repaying the faith that Honda have shown in me, so I’ll be doing my all to take the next step in my racing career. I can’t wait to get started!”
Havier Beltran, Team Manager, Honda Racing UK commented: “We’re delighted to welcome back Andrew alongside Tom in 2023. We’ve shared moments with Andrew like his and the bike’s first wins, and now we’re very happy to be able to bring him back to the family.
“The 2022 season was a learning year for Tom having graduated from Superstock, and with that experience he’s ready to take the next step in 2023. Alongside Andrew, we have an exciting line-up full of promise and potential. This year has continued to demonstrate the performance of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and it’s encouraging to have finished our 2022 campaign so strongly.
“I’d like to thank Glenn for his dedication and hard work and the success we’ve enjoyed together. Similarly it’s been a pleasure having Ryo and Takumi on board for these last two seasons. We wish them well in the next step in their career and hope to work with them again in the future.”
Neil Fletcher, Head of Motorcycles, Honda UK concluded: “Since 2020 when the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP took its first BSB victory we’ve continued to demonstrate how much of a force to be reckoned with the new bike is, and 2022 was no exception. Now, it’s with excitement and promise that I look forward to 2023, welcoming Andrew back to the team alongside Tom.
“Andrew is no stranger to Honda Racing UK and the Fireblade, having played a pivotal role in its development with Honda Racing UK throughout 2020, so we believe it’s a great fit to have him back with us. We start the 2023 season full of optimism and enthusiasm after a strong run in 2022 to narrowly miss out on the title, so that’s the target for next season.
The Honda Racing UK riders will be attending Bennetts BSB Day at Motorcycle Live this Sunday 20 November at the NEC Birmingham.