Honda Australia will officially make its return to Australian Superbikes this week when the newly-formed Team Honda Racing makes its debut in a test at Eastern Creek.

New signing Jamie Stauffer and Wayne Maxwell will debut aboard the factory CBR1000RRs at the test, which will be held alongside the BMW World Superbike team on Wednesday and Thursday.

Stauffer, who rode for the Motologic-run team aboard Ducati machinery last season, made his debut aboard the Honda at The 6 Hour in December, and he’s looking forward to the official test this week.

“The 2011 season is going to be awesome,” Stauffer said. “I have a great team and a great bike that will see us running at the front of the pack – I can hardly wait for round one at Phillip Island in February.

“I have had a chance to ride on the CBR1000 around Phillip Island at The 6 hour with Team Honda Racing and we were competitive immediately, so we will be chasing race wins from the first race at the first round of the season.”

For teammate Maxwell, this season marks a return to a factory effort and the second time in his career that he’s ridden for the Paul Free operated team.

“I’m really excited about this season with Team Honda Racing, to be riding for Paul Free again and working with a familiar crew will be awesome,” current ASBK number two Maxwell said.

“This year it will be all about consistency as there are three or four riders who are likely to be challenging for the front of the field so it will be very important to be in the top three for every race.”