Aussie Billy McConnell will switch from Yamaha to Triumph in BSS for 2011.

Billy McConnell has signed for the Oxford Tag Triumph team to contest the 2011 Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship alongside fellow Triumph development rider and countryman Paul Young.

McConnell took two victories and a further podium finish on his way to securing fifth in this year’s Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship and is now feeling fired up to win the title that has eluded him in previous years.

“I’m really excited about joining the Oxford Tag Triumph team. Especially with the connection I already have with the Triumph factory working for them as a test rider – everything just seems to fit,” the South Australian said.

“I’m really looking forward to being team-mates with Youngy. We’ve known each other a long time and he is one of the reasons I got into the sport in the first place.

“I’ve never raced a Triumph before but from what Youngy and Glen [Richards] have told me about what the Daytona 675 is like to race, I’m really excited by the prospect, especially with the new rules and the two race format in place for next year.

“I don’t feel as though I fulfilled my potential last season and I’m keen to put that right. I’m going to be spending the winter back home in Australia and I’m looking forward to the break. I’ll be training hard and coming back refreshed and ready to go for the start of the new season.”

Young is equally upbeat about the team’s prospects for next season.

Despite suffering a potentially career-ending injury at Cadwell Park, earlier in the year, Youngy showed the kind of fighting spirit he’s become famous for, finishing the year in style with a top six finish at Oulton Park. And with the signing of McConnell, he’s confident that the team can carry the momentum on into 2011.

“I’m really chuffed Billy is on board with us for 2011 as we go back a long way and I know he is someone I’ll be able to work with,” Young said.

“Billy’s character will fit right in with the team and that should bode well for us being very competitive next year. The chemistry will be right and that should help the team to get the results it deserves.”