Waters secures BSB ride for 2013

While Ellison returns to British Superbikes after this year's MotoGP stint with the Paul Bird Motorsport CRT team, Waters will make his debut in the British Championship with Shaun Muir Racing (SMR) in 2013. The 25-year-old first experienced the series with a visit to the Silverstone BSB round this year as a spectator and is now determined to secure a Showdown position in his maiden season.

The SMR team also unveiled new livery for their YZF R1 machines, inspired by a new title partnership with Milwaukee Tool Corporation. Milwaukee is an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of heavy-duty, portable electric power tools and accessories.

"I am really happy and I still can't believe I have been given this opportunity," Waters said. "I visited the Silverstone round this year and the championship was a big surprise to me as it is much bigger than I was expecting.

"I won my second Superbike title in Australia this year and I feel like that I have accomplished that goal and now I am ready for a new challenge. I am a realist and know that I am going to have to work hard at it this seaso, but this is a huge step in the right direction for me, especially to work with a championship-winning team.

"I am hoping that the Showdown format will work in my favour as it gives me a chance to learn some of the tracks and I want to be in the top six. I can't wait to get started and hopefully we can do enough to be there when it counts. I want to be successful in the championship and I am dedicated to succeeding with the Milwaukee Yamaha team."

Speaking at the team and livery unveiling, SMR's team owner Shaun Muir was expecting big things in 2013.

"Everyone at SMR has been working tirelessly since the end of last season to ensure that we return in the strongest possible position in 2013," said Muir. "It is fantastic to have James back in the team as we know that he is a proven title contender with lots of experience.

"I am also pleased to welcome Josh for his debut season in the championship; he is a young, fast and upcoming Australian rider who will bring a new dynamic to the team."

Waters won't be the sole Aussie in BSB in 2013. Josh Brookes, who recently announced he'll ride in the Isle of Man TT races next year, will be a contender for the title with the strong Tyco Suzuki team. Mark Aitchison will also return to BSB in 2013, continuing his association with the Splitlath Redmond Aprilia team he joined earlier this year after a short-lived stint in World Superbikes with the Grillini Progea BMW privateer squad.

image: yamaha-racing.com