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British Superbikes 2012- Galatico Grid?!

With the closest racing finish EVER to settle the 2011 series (0.006 seconds over a whole 26 race season!) , new rules outlawing traction control, top riders retained and a foreign trip to Assen, next year's British Superbike season looks set to be a cracker! Motorcycle UK looks behind the scenes at how the 2012 BSB grid is shaping up;

No.1 Plate: Last year's ultra popular local hero Tommy Hill will be proudly trading his #33 for the Champion's No.1 plate as he looks to defend his title with the crossplane crank engined Swan Yamaha YZF-R1. Only time will tell how this unique firing order will perform under the new BSB rules (whereby all machines will now have a 'Rev limit' of 750prm above standard, set by a spec ECU). Regardless, Tommy starts as series favourite.

Tommy is joined by an unlikely team-mate; Ian Hutchinson, a rider who sat out the whole of 2011 after a horrific accident at Silverstone where he severely injured his left leg. 'Hutchy' famously dominated the 2010 TT with a historic five win haul. He will race BSB and all major 'roads' for Swan Yamaha.

Shakey goes for the triple: Two time BSB Champ Shane 'Shakey' Byrne links back up with his old employer Paul Bird, now running factory Kawasaki's. Shakey won the BSB title for 'Birdy' in 2003 before racing GP's with various marques. Upon his return he took a second crown for Airwaves Ducati and now goes for an all important third title in 2012. The Kent ace will be joined by Scottish star Stuart Easton, a long-time protégé of Bird, who spent much of last season convalescing after a horror smash in the North West 200 road race.

The 'Power of Dreams' Team?- The winningiest team in BSB, Honda Racing, have 'let go' of long time BSB stalwart Ryuichi Kiyonari and also lost Byrne over the winter but have made two astute new signings in the form of the fast and loose Michael Laverty and the impressive young Jon Kirkham - who really stepped it up in 2011 with a maiden race victory. Laverty was regular podium material and won three races but will be determined to better his second consecutive fourth place series finish in 2012.

Dark Horses? Running Josh Brookes in a single rider team in 2011, TAS Suzuki return with a duo in 2012 and a new sponsor- they are now known as Tyco Suzuki. The second rider is Alastair Seeley, who has won both the National Superstock and Supersport titles for TAS but most importantly won a BSB race for the Northern Irish squad in 2010. Brookes remains an enigma as he is capable of dominating races, massive accidents and slumps of form- however 2012 could be his year!

Hungry young trio- The most impressive new team of 2011 was WFR Honda who dominated the 'Evo' class but for next season they look to impress in the series proper with three young hotshots; Graeme Gowland, Alex Lowes and James Westmoreland, all of which could spring surprises, especially as the new BSB rules move close to those of 'Evo'.

Style Mates- Two of BSB's best turned out riders and previous team-mates, Gary Mason and Simon Andrews have been re-united at the ambitious PR Kawasaki squad. Mason was impressive last year logging two podiums for MSS Kawasaki whilst Andrews had a horrific accident at Snetterton when he nearly lost his leg.

With a number of key teams and top riders unwed still (including Michael Rutter, Chris Walker and some rumoured foreign imports), the 2012 BSB grid is far from fully finalised but is looking like a mouth watering affair nonetheless. More info as we get it!....

CONFIRMED 2012 BSB SQUADS AND RIDERS

SWAN YAMAHA- Tommy Hill & Ian Hutchinson

PBM KAWASAKI- Shane Byrne & Stuart Easton

HONDA RACING UK- Michael Laverty & Jon Kirkham

TYCO SUZUKI - Josh Brookes & Alastair Seeley

WFR HONDA- Graeme Gowland, Alex Lowes & James Westmoreland

PR KAWASAKI -Gary Mason & Simon Andrews

GB MOTO HONDA- Tristan Palmer

PR1MO BOURNEMOUTH KAWASAKI- James Hillier & Joe Burns

BUILDBASE BMW (HAWK) - Dan Linfoot & Barry Burrell

MSS COLCHESTER KAWASAKI- TBC

TEAM SPITLAITH REDMOND- TBC