Honda has confirmed it won’t defend its MCE British Superbike Championship title in 2014 after losing title sponsor Samsung.

Alex Lowes won the 2013 title aboard the CBR1000RR before departing to World Superbike with Suzuki next season. Instead, his former Honda team will use 2014 as a ‘development’ year.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly and it was not our preferred option but we feel that given the cumulative circumstances, it is the best course of action for us at this time,” head of Honda Motorcycles UK Nick Campolucci said.

“Honda goes racing to win. Unless we have the right elements in place to achieve the success on track we know we are capable of, our preferred option is to re-evaluate and re-structure for a stronger and more aligned effort.

“The British Superbike Championship is very important to Honda UK and we plan a full return to the series in 2015.”

While the team plans a full time return to BSB in 2015, next year will see Honda UK focus its efforts on planned BSB wildcard appearances.

The majority of the team’s technical staff will remain with Honda and transfer over to freshly revised Endurance World Championship race team.

Australian Jason O’Halloran has been with Honda UK for the past three seasons in Superstock 1000 and Supersport, expected to firm up an alternative deal within the next week.