Barros signs for Klaffi Honda.

After weeks of speculation, MotoGP veteran Alex Barros has finally signed to ride a CBR 1000 RR Fireblade for the Klaffi Honda team in the 2006 World Superbike championship.

Born in S?o Paulo, Brazil, on the 18th October 1970, Barros' GP career began at the Suzuka circuit in 1990 - and since then he has recorded a total of seven 500cc/MotoGP wins and 31 podium places.

Famous for his fearsome late braking and wet weather ability, Barros was one of the few riders to beat Valentino Rossi last season when he won the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril.

Accompanied by Carlo Fiorani, Honda Europe's racing manager (top pic), Barros met representatives of the press Friday at Honda's European headquarters to officially announce his long predicted WSBK move.

"I am delighted to be able to accept this new challenge, and to carry on riding for Honda too, on a CBR 1000 RR Fireblade this time," he said. "We reached agreement in record time, thanks to the close cooperation and hard work of Honda Europe, Team Klaffi Honda, the Flammini Group and our sponsors. I feel confident that I can play a leading role in WSBK."

The Barros/Klaffi deal comes after discussions with Honda Europe and World Superbike right's holders FGSport - both of whom were delighted to have the former Camel Honda rider in the championship.

"We are really delighted to have Alex Barros riding for Klaffi Honda," said Fiorani. "With the support of Honda Europe and Klaus Klaffenboch's excellent team, I am sure that Alex and the new CBR 1000 RR will delight SBK fans, as he has done for many years in MotoGP. I wish him and the team all the best and every success in the coming championship."

"We are really happy to welcome Alex Barros into WSBK," added Paolo Flammini, managing director of FGSport. "There can be no doubts as to his ability. Alex has already shown how competitive he can be on a Superbike (in events such as the Suzuka 8 Hours), so we can be certain that his arrival will make the SBK Superbike Championship more exciting than ever and turn 2006 into one of the best seasons in the competition's history. Alex's popularity at home will also boost the number of people following SBK Superbike World Championship in South America. We all wish Alex and Honda lots of luck for this new adventure."

Klaffi is expected to concentrate all its efforts on Barros this season, with former rider Max Neukirchner having announced a move to Team Pedercini.