The 2009 season will mark the return of Celani Team to the top World Superbike category as the Rome-based team has signed up 2004 World Supersport champion Karl Muggeridge to race for them in next year's championship.

Suzuki Celani will have support from team Alstare for the preparation of the new GSX-R1000K9 with which Muggeridge will tackle the 2009 season.

"It's a great opportunity for both Celani and myself. Particularly because the bikes will be built, maintained and supported by the Alstare Group, which gives us both a solid platform to work from and a wealth of experience and knowledge. We won't receive the bikes until early in the New Year but they'll be ready to race and I can't wait to throw my leg over it."