Fresh from revealing they will be switching to bimota machinery for the 2026 British Superbike season, the FS-3 Racing team (AJN Steelstock bimota) is excited to confirm that Max Cook will remain for a fourth consecutive season and will be joined by newcomer Joe Talbot.
Having made his debut in the Superbike class with the team back in 2023, Max Cook has continued to go from strength to strength, achieving multiple podiums to date, most recently in a thrilling race at Thruxton. He’ll be joined by rookie rider Joe Talbot, who has had an impressive few seasons in Supersport and Superstock over the last two years, securing multiple wins and podiums. Joe’s addition to the team cements the outfit’s ethos of supporting the talent of tomorrow, a philosophy shared by Team Green.
Both riders will be campaigning the all-new bimota KB998 Rimini Superbike, which has already proven its potential in its debut season in World Superbikes, having secured multiple podiums with Alex Lowes. FS-3 Racing will also be welcoming AJN Steelstock back as title sponsor for 2026, with the team known as AJN Steelstock bimota.
Max Cook:
“I’m really excited to get going on the new bimota project. I think it’s exciting not only because of the new bike but also that the potential of the package is better too. To get podiums in its first season in World Superbikes is amazing, and Alex and the team think it will be a really good option for BSB as well. For me, it couldn’t come at a better time, and my aim is to turn those podium finishes into regular performances and even race wins.
It’s great to have Joe in the team too. They gave me the chance as a rookie a few years ago, and it’s fantastic that they’re doing the same with him, and I want to help him as much as I can as well… until he starts beating me!”
Joe Talbot
“I’m really excited to be joining the AJN Steelstock bimota project. My goal has always been to get into Superbikes, so to get to do it on a brand new machine with so much potential is amazing. The FS-3 Racing team have been great so far, and their experience in the Championship is proven, so I know they’ll give me everything I need to hit the ground running. Having raced at Donington earlier this year, I know how tough BSB is, so I’m not coming in with any expectations, but I can’t wait to get started!”
Nigel Snook, Team Principal, AJN Steelstock bimota:
“At FS-3 Racing, we have always prided ourselves on giving young riders the opportunity to compete and gain experience in the superbike class. Danny Buchan, Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner have all benefitted from their time with us. But we are particularly pleased that Max Cook will be with us again in 2026 to lead the team in his fourth season on a superbike. We have been supporting Max for eight years, and it has been really satisfying to watch his progress to become a superbike front runner.
Alongside Max for his first full season on a superbike will be Joe Talbot. Joe has impressive results behind him in the superstock and supersport classes and certainly impressed with a stand-in superbike debut at Donington Park in September, jumping between a superbike and his regular supersport mount. With two talented and ambitious riders piloting our AJN Steelstock bimota KB998 Rimini machines, we’re certainly aiming to write a few headlines!”
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki Motors UK:
“After a great 2025 season, the start of the off-season has been no less exciting! With the switch of machinery recently announced, we are now really pleased to welcome Joe back to Kawasaki and to the team for 2026. We already have a great history with Joe and his family and are confident that he will be a strong asset to both bimota and the FS-3 Racing team next year. Max has been steadily getting faster and more consistent over the past few seasons, and I can’t wait to hopefully watch him make that last step next year to regularly feature on the podium.”
