Lincolnshire motorcycle racing star Steve Plater will contest both the British Superbike and the British Supersport championships at Thruxton, in Hampshire over the Easter weekend deputising for an injured rider in the Supersport race.

Following mechanical problems with the new Dienza Performance Kawasaki at both Brands Hatch and Donington, Steve has left the team and will contest the remainder of the season with the JJL/UK Diggers Superbike team on their Honda Fireblade.

“I tested in Spain with the team during the winter and soon realised their professionalism and dedication,” said Steve. “Their aim is to become a key player in the highly competitive Bennetts British Superbike championship and I intend to help them achieve this.”

Steve was onboard a Honda Fireblade when he powered through to a podium finish in the final race of the 2005 season and also rode to a close second place at the 2005 North West 200 races on a similar machine so should find the change to his liking.

Steve has also been asked to stand in for the injured Chris Burns who crashed at Donington last week and will ride the AIM Yamaha R6 at Thruxton and Oulton Park in the next two rounds of the British Supersport Championship.

“Supersport is where I learnt my trade, winning many races in the class before moving up to contest the British Superbike series. I'm really looking forward to riding the new R6 for the AIM team and hope we can enjoy the taste of champagne together."

Steve is in for a busy time at the weekend as the two classes run back to back for most of the free practise and qualifying periods and also the two races are run one directly after the other on Monday.