Honda UK has a strong history in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and have secured four titles making them one of the most successful teams in the paddock with Ryuichi Kiyonari winning the Championship in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2013. The team has also won three British Supersport and National Superstock crowns.

The team have continued to be Showdown contenders in recent seasons, with Jason O'Halloran and Dan Linfoot, but the team have signed Xavi Forés to challenge for the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike Championship title alongside Andrew Irwin, aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.

2018 WorldSBK Independent Riders champion Forés brings a wealth of racing experience with him to the series, after claiming five podiums and finished seventh in the World Championship this season.

The 33 year old heads for British soil after a successful career in Europe where he claimed the CEV Superstock Extreme Championship in 2010 and 2013, the European Superstock Championship in 2013 and was IDM Superbike Champion in 2014. The Spanish rider has also added MotoGP wildcards to his racing pedigree.