British Supersport champion Steve Plater admits he is opened-minded about his future as he refuses to rule out a return to the Superbike paddock in 2010.

The veteran Lincolnshire rider has vowed to carry on racing next year after enjoying an outstanding 2009 campaign, which saw him claim the Senior TT at the Isle of Man, victory at North West 200 and, finally, the British Supersport crown.

Plater, from Woodhall Spa, is contracted to the HM Plant Honda squad, which propelled him to glory in 2009, until the end of the year and would prefer to remain with the Louth-based team.

But with HM Plant yet to confirm the extent of their involvement in the British championship for next year, Plater could find himself on a different bike and in a different class in 2010.

"I'm contracted with HM Plant Honda until the end of the year and I'm waiting to see what their plans are for next year," explained Plater.

"Obviously, I'd like to stay with them. I've had a lot of success with the team this year and would like to stay.

"But the way things are in the world at the moment, things are up in the air financially. Times are hard and every team is having a look at how much they're spending in the sport.

"At the moment, it's just a case of waiting to see what happens."

One scenario is that HM Plant could drop their Supersport team and just focus on Superbikes in 2010. But that is just one of several potential permutations.

Whether Plater ends up defending his Supersport crown or returning to the Superbike scene, where he has a wealth of experience, he will only do so on the most competitive package available.

"I'm not sure at the moment, but wherever I am, I want to be competitive," he declared.

"I know I can still do a job in Superbikes, as I showed at the start of the season."