Steve Plater to switch to British Superstock in 2010

Plater took four victories on his way to the 2009 British Supersport title

Woodhall Spa's Steve Plater will race for HM Plant Honda in next season's British Superstock Championship.

Plater won the 2009 British Supersport title with the Louth-based team.

He told BBC Lincolnshire: "I enjoyed the winning times in Supersport but I'm pleased to be moving on to pastures new and a class that's important to Honda.

"It's going to be tough to win the championship as always, but I'm happy to race for the team again and I hope we can have the same success in 2010."

Plater's Superstock team-mate will be John McGuinness, with the pair also spearheading the team's road racing effort at the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200.

Double champion Ryuichi Kiyonari returns to British Superbikes after two seasons in World Superbikes.

The Japanese rider, who won the title with HM Plant Honda in 2006 and 2007, will be partnered by Australian Josh Brookes, who retains his seat after finishing fourth in the championship last season.

Plater said: "Kiyo's been away in World Superbikes where he hasn't had the best of times so he'll be going all out to try and prove a point, that he's still on the pace.

"Josh Brookes will be trying to build on his 10 podiums last season and also trying to win the championship."

HM Plant Honda will not compete in British Supersport in 2010, with the manufacturers' factory effort being run instead by Padgetts Honda, for whom Glen Richards and Ian Hutchinson will ride.

The 2010 British Superbike Championship season starts on 5 April, with the opening round on the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch.