Hook was a member of the TSR Honda squad in the All Japan Superbike Championship in 2015, before being named as a reserve rider with the outfit in the 2016-2017 season of EWC.

He also took part in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours as a reserve rider with the factory-supported team, which finished third this year. He expressed his pleasure in signing a deal so early on, revealing it’s something he’s often stressed about in the past.

“I’m stoked personally, but it’s also a massive load off my chest having a deal done this early,” Hook explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “In the past, I’ve stressed a lot about it and sort of only got something right at the end and pretty last minute.

“It’s good to have this in concrete straightaway, we have the first round of the championship mid-next month, so that’s going to be good. I’m super-stoked to be back with the TSR factory Honda team, we have a really good package this year with Bridgestone tyres and the bike is really competitive also.

“I’m really looking forward to the EWC championship, there’s not too many rounds, so maybe I can get something else going on the go, but I have time now to work something out – it’s all looking good so far.”

Hook – himself a podium finisher at Suzuka in 2015 – believes the Japanese powerhouse team is capable of challenging for podiums at each and every round and is hopeful the they can secure the title with a strong bike and tyre package.

“I’m hoping we can win the championship,” he continued. “The bike and tyres are capable of it and the team is really good. At the previous rounds of EWC I’ve been fast, so I know the bike and myself are capable of doing fast times and being consistent in the race. I think we can definitely challenge for the win – hopefully for the championship – but we definitely will be up there fighting for the podium throughout the season.”

The Bol d’Or season-opener of EWC is pencilled in for September 16-17 at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.