REDDITCH superbikes outfit Magnum Motorsport have joined forces with the country's largest Ducati dealership to mount a serious challenge for this season's British Superstock Championship.

Magnum have signed an initial two-year deal with Ducati London South (DLS) and the partnershup will be launched at the MCN London Motorcycle Show in London on Saturday.

And to go with the new partnership, Magnum have also signed Jamie Morley - a former test rider with Carl Fogarty's World Superbike Team - Foggy Petronas to the team.

Morley, 27, started serious racing in 1998 and after just eight race meetings was invited to ride for Performance Bikes Magazine in the British 600 Supersport Series.

Between 1999 and 2001, he gained an increasing number of podium finishes in British Superstock, making his debut in British Supersport in 2001.

Morely, who will be riding one of the two race-prepared Ducati 999S machines this season, will be partnered with Magnum's seasoned pro Kelvin Reilly.

Magnum's team director, David Worthington, said he was delighted to be racing the famous Italian marque, with the backing of Ducati London South.

He said: "Ducati have clearly set their sights on winning all three championships in the 2004 British Superbike series and their backing of the team through DLS proves just how far we have come since the Magnum organisation was formed four years ago."