Image: Supplied.

Two-time British Superbike champion Josh Brookes has been officially confirmed at Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) again for 2022, joined by former world champion Tom Sykes.

PBM will race under the MCE Ducati guise this season, with 2015 and 2020 title-winner Brookes remaining in red for a fourth-straight year.

“Firstly I would like to thank Paul for giving me the opportunity to ride for the team again,” 54-time BSB winner Brookes commented. “I enjoy racing the Ducati and I am now really eager for the off-season to end so that we can get back testing and focus on the opening round of the championship!”

Sykes, meanwhile, returns to BSB full-time for the first time since 2008. He most recently appeared as a wildcard at Brands Hatch in 2010 when he took the double victory for PBM’s Kawasaki WorldSBK team.

“I am very excited and motivated for this great opportunity to race in BSB with PBM,” Sykes said. “In terms of a domestic championship, it certainly doesn’t get any better – the level of competition is obviously high and there is some great talent.

“To be back with PBM is fantastic, it is a team I have been a part of before, both in BSB and in WSBK and one that has all of the pedigree for the task ahead. I will also be riding a Ducati for the first time in my career after riding for five other manufacturers in the Superbike category.

“This alone adds more excitement and motivation to the pot! It will also be interesting to explore the different characteristics of the bike in BSB with the different technical regulations. Finally, to be part of PBM and Ducati in BSB, racing in front of the home crowd makes me really happy.”