Former Australian Superbike champ Mike Jones has signed with Team Speed Racing to compete in the Superstock 1000 category of the Spanish Championship after his aruba.it Ducati squad withdrew from the Superstock 1000 category of the World Superbike Championship.

Jones, 23, will be riding a Kawasaki ZX-10RR, the latest iteration of the bike he rode to championship victory in the Australian Superbike Championship in 2015.

“The whole team is excited about the signing of Mike Jones,” the team manager José Regaña said. “This year we have our experience and Mike’s experience, and that will undoubtedly make us much more competitive. Without a doubt, it will result in good results and podiums.

“Jones is a great professional who has already demonstrated his value as a rider in Australia. I really want him to travel to Spain and start working with the team on the pre-championship tests.”

Jones, who had a weekend to forget racing a Kawasaki ZX-10R in the ASBK opening round, is hoping for a change of fortune for his 2018 campaign.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining Team Speed Racing for the 2018 season. This is an excellent opportunity for us to achieve a high level of success together in the RFME Spanish Speed Superstock 1000 Championship.

“I’m confident, and prepared to perform to the best of my ability. I wish to thank the team for trusting me, and I look forward to beginning our work together shortly.” The first round kicks off over 7-8 April at the Albacete Circuit in Spain.