The MSS Colchester Kawasaki team has confirmed its rider line-up for the 2010 British Superbike Championsip, with Simon Andrews returning to the team and being joined by the vastly experienced Gary Mason.

Andrews showed a fast maturing style this year, finishing sixth in the overall standings in his first season with the team and the Evesham rider expects much more with the continuing development of their ZX-10R machines.

“I never wanted to leave Kawasaki as the people are amazing. There’s a lot of technical support and information coming our way in 2010,” explained 27-year-old Andrews. “I’m excited that Gary is joining the team as we get on well and it’ll be good to have a team-mate with a similar style. I’ve never known him as hungry as he is now, but there’s no one more hungry than me. It’s going to be a good season.”

30-year-old Mason has a long pedigree of Superbike action topped by winning the BSB Cup title this year, with a string of 18 victories, riding for the Quay Garage Honda team. Now he is back in contention to challenge for the sport’s premier crown, delighted with the opportunity.

“I can’t begin to tell you what this means to me. I’ve spent the last four years of my career to get back to this point. It’s all I’ve ever wanted, to be back in a top team in BSB – it’s a dream come true,” said Mason. “The 2009 ZX-10 was good but I know it’s going to get even better. This is a big year for me and I’ve got to make it happen – it’s taken me a long time to get back and there’s no way I’m going to let up now. I’ve got consistency plus we’re going to have a great bike and I know it can win races.”

His place in the Quay Garage team has been taken by Tommy Bridewell who returned to domestic action midway through the 2009 season with some impressive rides in the BSB Cup.

The opening round of the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli is at Brands Hatch over the weekend of 3-5 April.