SBK 2014 ENTRY LIST UPDATE

Alex Lowes (twin brother of Sam, who'll race in Moto2 in 2014) is the most recently confirmed signing, the British Superbike Champion joining Eugene Laverty at the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team - a welcome return from Suzuki to the top level of World Superbike competition. While Laverty is already a proven racewinner with Aprilia, Lowes is the unknown quantity, but comes to World Superbikes with impressive national-class form.

The main rides with the factory and other major teams had already been decided by December, with Tom Sykes set to defend his 2013 title with the factory Kawasaki team, where he'll once again be partnered by Loris Baz. Like Kawasaki, the Pata Honda squad are also unchanged, with Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam returning for 2014.

Ducati, the former powerhouse in World Superbikes, have had a lean past couple of years, and with no partner for season 2014, will operate under the self-titled 'Ducati Superbike Team' banner run by Feel Racing. Davide Giugliano (Carlos Checa's partner this season) returns, where he'll be joined by Chaz Davies.

BMW's previously-reported exit from the series sees Marco Melandri replace Eugene Laverty at the factory Aprilia team, alongside the early star of last season, Sylvain Guintoli.

The new cost-effective EVO class which comes into effect this season has attracted three rider entries (across two teams); probably not as many as were expected, but there is still time for other entries to join them. The main EVO entries at this stage are Grillini Kawasaki, who will field journeyman Superbike racer Michel Fabrizio, and Supersport star, South Africa's Sheridan Morais. Former Superstock star, Jeremy Guarnoni, is the other confirmed EVO entry, for the MRS Kawasaki team.

Other additions of note are the debut of EBR (Erik Buell Racing) machines, which will bring AMA SBK riders and experience to the world stage in the first ever appearance by an American motorcycle manufacturer in the history of World Superbike competition. MV Agusta is also making its SBK debut in 2014, with former MotoGP rider Claudio Corti in the saddle.

At this stage, 16 riders are officially confirmed, with approximately six to ten others a possibility join them, which if that happens, should see healthy grids this season.

2014 World Superbike confirmed entry list - as of 6/1/14

Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R
Loris Baz FRA Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R

Sylvain Guintoli FRA Aprilia Racing RSV4
Marco Melandri ITA Aprilia Racing RSV4

Chaz Davies GBR Ducati SBK 1199R
Davide Giugliano ITA Ducati SBK 1199R

Leon Haslam GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR
Jonathan Rea GBR Pata Honda CBR1000RR

Eugene Laverty IRL Voltcom Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000
Alex Lowes GBR Voltcom Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000

Aaron Yates USA Team Hero EBR 1190RX
Geoff May USA Team Hero EBR 1190RX

Claudio Corti ITA MV Agusta Reparto Corse F4RR

Michel Fabrizio ITA Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R (EVO)
Sheridan Morais RSA Grillini Kawasaki ZX-10R (EVO)

Jeremy Guarnoni FRA MRS Kawasaki ZX-10R (EVO)