Cluzel returns to CIA Landlords Insurance PTR Honda

Jules Cluzel has re-signed with CIA Landlords Insurance PTR Honda for the 2017 World Supersport championship, returning to the squad he finished runner-up in 2012 championship.

The experienced French rider narrowly missed out of the World Supersport title for a third campaign by finishing runner-up with MV Agusta, adding to his second place results in the riders' championships in 2012 and 2014.

After three years on MV Agusta machinery, Cluzel has returned to PTR Honda as he looks to take top spot in World Supersport in 2017.

"I am really happy to be back on the PTR team because we achieved a really good season in 2012 and we were close to winning the title," Cluzel said. "I am so excited to be back on the Honda bike with CIA Landlord Insurance and I believe I can be the world champion.

"This is my dream and this is my target and I think we can do it so I am really excited. I am also happy to work again with Simon Buckmaster because I have a great relationship with him and I know that it will work so I am looking forward to that also."

Team boss Simon Buckmaster has welcomed the former World Supersport race winner back to the PTR Honda fold and is confident Cluzel can take the 'final step' to become world champion in 2017 after three near-misses.

"PTR have returned to winning ways this year with our CIA Landlord Insurance Honda team and we are pleased to announce the return of Jules Cluzel to the team," Buckmaster said. "Jules has been runner-up in World Supersport three times and so have we as a team, the last time was with Jules in 2012. Now is the time for Jules and CIA Landlord Insurance Honda to make the final step together.

"We as a team with Jules will go the extra mile to realise our dream. On behalf of the whole team and CIA Insurance, 'Welcome back Jules', we can't wait for 2017 to get underway."

Cluzel joins alongside newly signed Robin Mulhauser and the returning Hikari Okubo in the team's 2017 rider line-up.