World Superbike stalwart and fan favourite, Pierfranchesco Chili, or "Frankie", as he is affectionately known worldwide, will once again be thrilling the WSC masses next season according to the Italian press today. The legendary Italian has apparently signed to ride for the Klaffi Honda team on board a CBR1000RR Fireblade in 2005.

Chili has reportedly taken the ride after the team failed to sign Number one choice for the ride, Ben Bostrom. The former L&M Ducati star and ladies favourite Bostrom, allegedly, signed for the Renegade Honda squad, run by Englishmen Mark Griffiths this week. Bostrom's Klaffi deal allegedly stalled due to financial shortcomings and the Austrian based team has turned to veteran Chili to spearhead their WSC campaign.

As of today, Bostrom has still not commented officially on his 2005 plans but it is believed the former AMA Superbike Champion will be officially announced as a Renegade rider after December 31st when Noriyuki Haga's contract ends. Haga is pencilled in for a return to Yamaha for the 2005 season.

The bikes Chili will be using are likely to be supplied by Ten Kate Honda and Chili is attempting to take technician Domenico Brigaglia with him to the former World Supersport team if a deal can be struck with the Italian spanner man.

The WSC field is looking healthier than it has for years with many, and varied, versions of Japanese machinery back on the grid and names such as Haga, Corser, Kagayama, Bostrom, Chili, McCoy, Abe, Toseland, Vermeulen and Laconi all seemingly in place to contest the 2005 season.

2005 will be Chili's eleventh consecutive WSC season and the likeable Bologna born racer will contest his 240th WSC race at the Losail International circuit in Doha, Qatar on 26th February if the provisional calendar released by FG Sport in October is confirmed as correct.