British Superbike champion Steve Hislop will defend his title with the Virgin Yamaha team next season as part of a triple boost for the series.

Hislop will be joined in the series by Japanese star Yukio Kagayama, who has signed for the Crescent Suzuki team.

And Honda have announced they will switch their factory team from World Superbikes to the British title chase.

I couldn't ask for a better proving ground for my talent Yukio Kagayama

Hislop, who was released by the MonsterMob Ducati team after winning this year's title, will race an R1 Yamaha as part of the team run by former racer Rob McElnea.

The Honda team have lined up Steve Plater to race the SP-2 which Texan Colin Edwards took to this year's World Superbike title.

Honda are also expected to announce the signing of Karl Harris to race their CBR600RR bike in a bid to recapture the British Supersport title he won in 2001.

Kagayama will race a GSX-R1000 alongside new team-mate and former BSB champion John Reynolds.

The 28-year-old Kagayama, from Yokohama, has been a factory Suzuki rider since 1993.

His placement in the British series is a sign of how the company view the standard of racing in this country.

"I am really looking forward to riding in Britain next year," said Kagayama.

"It is known as a very competitive championship and I couldn't ask for a better proving ground for my talent."

Suzuki team boss Paul Denning said: "Yukio Kagayama is a factory rider who has ridden against the best riders in the world and proved his ability."