Peter Hickman takes over RAF Reserves Honda

Peter Hickman will complete the remainder of the 2014 MCE British Superbike Championship on the RAF Reserves Honda of Simon Andrews, with the TT fastest newcomer taking over after the tragic loss of Simon at the North West 200.

Hickman competed at the last round of the BSB series on the Tsingtao Kawasaki, joining the team at the eleventh hour to replace Jon Kirkham, but had already been in talks with the RAF Reserves team of Lee Hardy about taking over the Honda Fireblade for the remainder of the year.

Hickman said: “I am really happy to be back in the championship as that is what I have been pushing for all season. I haven’t really set myself and expectations as such because this is like the start of the season for me, but I know the Honda which is always a good place to start! I had some good results with Honda before, so I am really looking forward to getting on it this weekend and getting back into it again. Knockhill will be the first test for us but I like to be thrown in at the deep end; I am relaxed about the first races with the team and we are determined to crack on with the job.”

Team owner Lee Hardy concluded: “I am excited to put this deal together for the remainder of the 2014 BSB season. Peter certainly opened my eyes with his amazing performances at the North West 200 and that 129mph lap at this year’s TT. Yes we are three rounds into the season, but there is still a long way to go in the championship. What we must not lose sight of is this is our debut season in BSB and hopefully with Peter’s pervious Honda experience we can regularly challenge for top ten positions. Knockhill will be our first chance to work together so it will be treated like a test for us and there is no pressure!”

Hickman will jump straight into the deep end with the team this weekend at Knockhill, jumping on the bike at the Scottish circuit without a chance to complete any prior testing.