In many people's eyes, the move from World Superbikes and MotoGP to British Superbikes is a major step backwards.
But anyone accusing James Haydon or Leon Haslam of a lack of ambition would get short shrift.
The pair have returned to the class to ride Airwaves Ducatis for GSE Racing, and to try to deny Rizla Suzuki rider John Reynolds a third BSB title, starting at the season opener at Brands Hatch on Monday.
If they ride as well as they talk, then Reynolds faces quite a battle.
Haslam, the son of 1980s bike racing legend Ron Haslam, completed a full campaign in World Superbikes last year but told BBC Sport a move to British Superbikes made perfect sense to him.
"I've made a sacrifice coming back to such a strong championship but for the first time I'm with a really capable team," he said.
"This is the first year I'll go in knowing I should be able to win."
Haydon, who guested in both BSB and MotoGP last season, is equally positive about his decision.
"Last year was just an audition for this year," he said.
"I took a BSB Yamaha that wasn't competitive and won races on it, then I gave Team Roberts their best result of the season in MotoGP.
"That got me here with Ducati, and I'm really proud of that."
 Haydon will miss the start of the season due to injury |
"GSE has a great history, they're multiple champions and have done well in world and British championships. I really want to be part of such a professional outfit.
"And Ducati is the Ferrari of bikes. To be riding for them means a lot; it's a very cool brand to be associated with."
Haydon makes no secret of the fact that he wants to make a long career in MotoGP. But he believes his move to British Superbikes with Ducati can help him reach that end.
"I've been there and I love it," he says.
"It's what every rider aspires to, but if I didn't have the right set-up, I wouldn't be interested. That's what's so good about being here, the team is so great."
Despite the nine-year age difference - Haydon is 30, Haslam is 21 - the two new team-mates have a history going back years as Ron Haslam, was Haydon's mentor in his early years.
"When I started out, Ron ran a team called Team Great Britain," Haydon told BBC Sport.
"I was selected to work with them and ended up living with his family for two years, so it's like coming back to an old friend."
Despite their close ties, it is clear the two riders regard one another as their main rivals.
"It's helpful, but once I put on my helmet, I've got to dismiss everything and concentrate on just getting past him," says Haydon.
"It doesn't matter if it's your best friend or worst enemy - I'll race Leon just like I'd race anyone else."
Haslam also plays down the importance of personal relationships, but last year's World Superbike Rookie of the Year admits a more experienced team-mate can only be helpful.
"If only one of us knows a circuit, we can learn from one another and overlay each other's data to get closer to the perfect lap," he says.
While Haydon was auditioning in 2004, Haslam's impressive career trajectory continued with his first WSB podium, in Germany, and victory in the BSB event at Brands Hatch.
Fiercely determined, Haslam acknowledges the move is part of his strategy for longer-term success.
 |  If I have to stay in WSB for five years to get the right package for MotoGP, then that's what I'll do |
"My own expectations of myself are higher than a lot of other people's. I'm the only rider I know who's competed in every class.
"I could be winning by a mile if I'd stopped in 125s, I could be world champion there but it wouldn't mean anything.
"I'm sick of being on things that can't win, which is why I chose this team, because I know they can win. I got a taste of winning at Brands and now it's all I want to do.
Haslam shares Haydon's passion for the Ducati name and reputation.
"On race day, if you have any doubts you shouldn't be there, because you have to be totally confident.
"Knowing I've got the complete Ducati package behind me is a huge boost."
 Haslam is convinced he can win this year's title |
Haslam, too, sees his long-term future in MotoGP.
"After this year, I'd like a couple of years in WSB, which I want to win so I can have a world title, then I'd be ready for MotoGP," he says.
"I'd have one learning year, by which time I'd be 25 or 26, then I'll be ready for a crack at the title.
"But if I have to stay in WSB for five years to get the right package for MotoGP, then that's what I'll do.
"I don't want to be stuck on bikes that aren't competitive. If I go there and don't do it, I'll know it's down to me."
MMIX
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