Australian Karl Muggeridge has been confirmed for the HM Plant Honda British Superbike team after a successful test at Cadwell Park last week.

Muggeridge, who recently lost his World Superbike ride with Celani Suzuki, will stand in for the injured Glen Richards on the team’s factory-backed CBR1000RR Fireblade, riding until Richards is fit enough to return – with his injuries maybe ruling him out of the season.

The ride comes with a sigh of relief for former Supersport World Champion Muggeridge, giving him the opportunity to rejuvenate his career on a competitive motorcycle after struggling with second rate equipment in recent seasons.

Following the discovery of two broken vertebrae as a result of a heavy crash at Assen earlier this year, and compounded by a more recent fall in the United States while racing in the WSBK, Muggas has spent the last few months recuperating, is now back to full fitness and is raring to get back on two-wheels.

“It has been a long time since I last raced in the UK, but it is refreshing for me to be back with a great team and bike,” Muggeridge said. “It has been a pretty hard last three years for me but I am ready for this challenge. I am back to full fitness now after the big crash I had in WSB and am looking forward to Brands Hatch. I tested the HM Plant Honda Fireblade at Cadwell Park last week and I gelled straight away with the team and it was great for me to be back working with them again. The bike feels great too, although of course we still have some work to do on set-up to suit my style. I have always liked the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit and this is a fantastic opportunity for me. I have had success in the UK before so I am hoping that I can come back strong next weekend.”

Muggeridge will ride Richards’ bike while Josh Brookes’ machine will be ridden by Steve Brogan and John McGuiness at upcoming rounds while Brookes serves is ban following the crash at Mallory which took down six other riders.