Following recent speculation, Paul Bird Motorsport is delighted to officially announce that Steve Hislop is to ride the team's Monstermob Ducati in the 2001 British Superbike Championship.

The 37 year old Isle of Man based Scot was one of a number of riders shortlisted by team Supremo Paul Bird whereby final negotiations were conducted over the Christmas break and Hislop signed a contract last week to ensure a formidable partnership on the track.

"I'm delighted to have secured a competitive ride and genuinely believe I've got a great chance of winning the title this year. The team gained a lot experience last year and I'll have a great team behind me and I'm really looking forward to testing the Ducati" said Hislop who won the 1995 British Championship riding the Italian V twin.

Hislop has now fully recovered from the broken neck he sustained last August and team boss Paul Bird reckons he's signed one of the genuine contenders for the title:

"I've let people think we weren't going to sign a top name but Hizzy has always been my major target. He is a world class rider with stacks of experience and when put with the team we have in place now, I'd like to think we can pull it off this year. We know the bikes are competitive and we have a reputation for reliability so all in all, I'm delighted with everything," said Bird who has only been in the sport for five years.

The ex factory Ducatis will run in the colours of mobile phone ringtone and logo suppliers Monstermob and the team are still in negotiations with additional sponsors who are bound to be buoyed by Hislop's signing.

In addition to the 13 round British Superbike Championship, Hislop has been promised a few races in the World Superbike Championship also but, contrary to rumours, will not be adding to his tally of eleven wins at the TT despite Bird's team planning to have some sort of official presence there in June. 

Also in the team will be 17-year-old Stuart Easton who will ride the team's 250cc Honda in both the British Championship as well as selected European races.

"What with teaming up with my childhood hero Steve Hislop as well as riding the best 250cc bike in the best team means it's literally a dream come true for me " said the rider who placed 3rd in the 2000 125cc British Championship.