Haydon stood down from the Ducati outfit

Haydon parted with Airwaves Ducati after missing the first two races with a hand injury and being replaced by impressive Spaniard Gregorio Lavilla.

But with defending champion Reynolds recovering from a broken leg, Rizla Suzuki have handed Haydon a lifeline.

Reynolds is hoping to return for the sixth round at Croft on 5 June.

The Nottingham rider had struggled on despite still recovering from surgery on his right leg injured during testing before the start of the season.

Fellow Brit Haydon, who lives in Andorra, returns to Suzuki after riding for them in 1998 and 1999.

Once I am comfortable on the Rizla Suzuki I don't see any reason why we can't be running at the front James Haydon

He will team up with Scott Smart until Reynolds is cleared to return.

Reynolds said: "We have decided rather than trying to ride through my injury, I should rest and heal properly before coming back to fully competitive racing.

And Haydon admitted: "This is a wonderful opportunity for me. Rizla Suzuki is a team I have always wanted to join and is the most professional in the British Superbike Championship.

"The GSX-R1000 looks awesome and I can't wait to try it out this weekend.

"My heart goes out to JR because I know exactly what he is going through as a rider.

"I have just come back from an injury to my left hand and will build up slowly at Oulton Park.