Last year, former British Superbikes rider Denning led the Crescent Rizla Suzuki team to the category's manufacturer and rider titles.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Motorbikes | Fired-up Hopkins raring to start

"There will be some rivalry between our Suzuki team and the Rizla Suzuki team, as they have factory backing behind them, but it will not be one of my priorities and I will be concentrating on my own performances, " added Laverty.

BBC: Michael Laverty