BSB: Andrew Irwin returns to Honda Racing UK alongside Tom Neave for 2023

Andrew Irwin has re-signed for Honda Racing UK for his 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship campaign.

Irwin takes the seat vacated by brother Glenn, following his own sensational return to the PBM Ducati squad, after spending the last two seasons onboard the M1000RR at SYNETIQ BMW.

Irwin secured his maiden BSB win with the team in 2019, before helping to develop the all-new Blade in 2020. In fact, Irwin secured victory in the bike’s first two BSB races at Donington Park National, before taking a third win around the Grand Prix circuit later in the year.

Irwin ended that campaign sixth overall, but opted to leave the Louth-based team in favour of the TAS Racing-run BMW squad. During the last two seasons, Irwin has taken five podiums onboard the BMW, ending 2022 with four top four finishes from the final five races.

During that time, brother Glenn led the charge at Honda and ended this season second overall after taking five victories and 10 podiums on the bike that Andrew will now inherit.

“I can’t wait to get back on the Fireblade,” Andrew said. “It was a bike I loved, and I believe I am getting on an even better bike than when I left two years ago so I can’t wait to get back on it and just to get stuck in. I can’t thank Neil and Harv enough for giving me the opportunity to return and I hope I can do a good job.

“The bike is good, which Glenn proved in 2022, and there is no reason why we can’t have a strong championship. I think we have a strong team with good people around me. I plan to have a really good off season and work hard and try to come into 2023 season in the best shape possible. I can’t wait to get back on board and look forward to testing in March.”

Tom Neave completes the Honda line-up ahead of his sophomore campaign in the premier class. Neave’s rookie season on a Superbike was a tough one, with the 2021 Superstock Champion taking a best result of 11^th at Brands Hatch in July. 2023 marks Neave’s fifth year within the team, a huge bonus in a series where continuity is key.

“I’m absolutely delighted to remain with Honda Racing for what will be my 5th consecutive season in 2023,” Neave said. “We have achieved a lot together over the previous seasons, so to remain on the Fireblade for another year will be a positive step for me.

“There’s no denying my first full season on the superbike has been a tough one, but continuity is key at this point and the experience I have gained along the way has been invaluable. Next season I look forward to repaying the faith that Honda have shown in me, so I’ll be doing my all to take the next step in my racing career. I can’t wait to get started!”

The announcement confirms that that Japanese duo, Takumi Takahashi and Ryo Mizuno will depart the British Championship after two seasons. Honda Racing UK are hopeful that both riders can assist with the team’s test programme throughout 2023.

Honda Racing UK Team Manager, Havier Beltran added: “We’re delighted to welcome back Andrew alongside Tom in 2023. We’ve shared moments with Andrew like his and the bike’s first wins, and now we’re very happy to be able to bring him back to the family.

“The 2022 season was a learning year for Tom having graduated from Superstock, and with that experience he’s ready to take the next step in 2023. Alongside Andrew, we have an exciting line-up full of promise and potential.

This year has continued to demonstrate the performance of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and it’s encouraging to have finished our 2022 campaign so strongly. I’d like to thank Glenn for his dedication and hard work and the success we’ve enjoyed together. Similarly, it’s been a pleasure having Ryo and Takumi on board for these last two seasons. We wish them well in the next step in their career and hope to work with them again in the future.”

Honda’s Roads programme will be announced at a later date.