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Check out our profiles of each and every British Superbike rider with a place on the grid in the 2009 season.

Glen Richards (HM Plant Honda)

Half-Australian half-Englishman Richards makes a welcome return to the Superbike paddock having won the Superstock and Supersport titles in 2007 and 2008. This is his best chance to win a first BSB race and launch a title challenge.

Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda)

The Australian is hoping to put visa problems that delayed the start to his season behind him. The affable former World Supersport frontrunner will be desperate to show BSB fans what he is capable of.

Karl Harris (Hydrex Honda)

Sheffield rider Harris returns to the strong Hydrex team after his frustrating year at Rob Mac Yamaha, still looking for his first victory in the series. A two-times British Supersport champion (2003 and 2004), he knows it is time to deliver in BSB.

Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda)

Easton won a full-season deal following his superb one-off victory for the team at Macau and will be keen to deliver on the promise he has shown in recent years.

Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha)

The GSE squad's switch to Yamaha from Ducati - who have withdrawn from the series - is going well, with the R1 performing excellently in World Superbikes. However the riders will not have ridden the bike before practice at the opening race at Brands. Briton Camier is 2008's highest-placed rider to be continuing this year and has aspirations of winning the title.

James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha)

Ellison did not win a race last season but impressed enough to also harbour aspirations of triumphing in 2009, with a competitive bike and experienced team behind him.

Chris Walker (Motorpoint Henderson Yamaha, pictured)

Chris Walker needs no introduction to BSB fans following his return with Rob Mac Racing: aggressive, determined and fighting fit, he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2009 - especially given an R1 bike he has described as amazing.

Graeme Gowland (Motorpoint Henderson Yamaha)

Youngster Gowland matched the times of experienced team-mates Walker and Michael Rutter in testing and could be a surprise name on the podium this year.

Michael Rutter (NW200 Coca-Cola Zero Yamaha)

Rutter has talent to match his experience and, along with Walker, should be a favourite of the fans on track.

Sylvain Guintoli (Crescent Suzuki)

Former MotoGP star Guintoli is the only rider for the Crescent squad as they adapt to a new bike and new sponsor following the departure of Rizla. The Frenchman does not know most of the tracks but has impressed in testing, highlighting him as a contender for the title.

Ian Lowry (Relentless by Taz Suzuki)

Lowry moves up from Supersport, where he has raced for the past three seasons. Despite still being relatively young, he has secured runner-up and third-place spots in the feeder series - and earned his ride in BSB.

Atsushi Watanabe (Relentless by Taz Suzuki)

Japanese Watanabe rides for Relentless in 2009 as the squad expands to two bikes; after a poor debut season with Crescent, his improved track knowledge could be a factor.

Julien da Costa (MSS Colchester Kawasaki)

World Endurance champion Da Costa has wide experience having won French and world series since taking shock wins with MSS in Superstock in 2004.

Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki)

Andrews was last year's top Yamaha rider after putting his tendency to crash in Supersport behind him; eighth position in 2008 showed that he can perform at the top of the field.

John Laverty (Buildbase Hawk Kawasaki)

The Superbike Cup holder, Laverty should be aiming for consistent top-10 finishes this season on a better bike.

Tristan Palmer (Buildbase Hawk Kawasaki)

Tenth overall in 2008, his consistency saw him claim points in all but one race. He will look to challenge for the podium in some races this year.

Eurosport