Browsing through the 2017 team lists worldwide, narrowing this group down to just 10 riders from an Aussie perspective was more difficult than first thought. With rider movements taking place left, right and centre, this year’s racing will produce much excitement regardless of the series and we’re anticipating a massive one from all angles. Here are just some of the reasons why!

Source: Supplied.

1. Lorenzo defects to Ducati Team:
It wasn’t the best secret kept in the silly season, but it still sent shockwaves when Ducati confirmed Jorge Lorenzo’s deal way back in April. After nine years at Yamaha in MotoGP, the 29-year-old Spaniard has gambled on the Italian manufacturer in a lucrative contract that will see him ride the Desmosedici through 2018. Can he win? Of course he can. But will he? The jury’s still out on that.

2. Vinales joins Rossi at Movistar Yamaha:
When Jorge Lorenzo opted out, Maverick Vinales almost immediately became the favourite to be his factory Yamaha replacement, but it wasn’t that straightforward as he considered staying on at Suzuki and even Dani Pedrosa was linked to the M1. In the end the deal was done for two years and already in testing we’ve witnessed just how competitive the young Spaniard will be from the outset.

3. Brookes back in BSB at Anvil Hire Yamaha:
It was looking as though 2015 British champion Josh Brookes might have missed out on a fulltime ride for this year following a dismal WorldSBK campaign last season, however he’s finally been announced as part of TAG Racing aboard the team’s YZF-R1. It should be a recipe for success, but there will be some time taken for Brookes and the team to gel in the early stages.

4. Jones to Europe on Aruba.it Ducati:
A couple of promising MotoGP performances, a positive WorldSBK wildcard and plenty of strong ASBK showings last year placed Mike Jones on the European map and he’s landed a plumb ride with Ducati in STK1000 as a result. This is one of the best opportunities an Aussie could hope for, so fingers crossed Mike adapts swiftly and does enough to establish himself once and for all on the world stage.

5. KTM contracts Pol Espargaro and Smith:
Okay, there are two riders in this particular ranking, however both are worthy of a mention. Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith are both moving across from Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3 to lead Red Bull KTM’s premier class challenge, which will be intriguing to watch at the RC16 develops. And we haven’t even mentioned the fact that two rookies – Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger – have taken their place!

Source: Supplied.

6. Staring comes home with Crankt Protein Honda Racing:
When this information first started to circulate, it definitely sprung a surprise at first. But Bryan Staring was the ASBK champion last time he was at home aboard a Honda in 2010, spent a year in MotoGP aboard a Gresini-run Honda during 2013 and has great experience. We’re eager to see how he goes alongside defending champion teammate Troy Herfoss.

7. Melandri’s Aruba.it Ducati racing return:
We didn’t think that Davide Giugliano would remain at Ducati in the factory team for this year, however it came as a shock to see the Italian marque bring back veteran Marco Melandri. He does have a particularly big name in Italy, which is important for Ducati and WorldSBK, so hopefully his time off hasn’t slowed him too much and we can see him factor at the front.

8. Iannone and Rins lead Team Suzuki:
This is one of the most exciting partnerships formed for 2017, as Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins make for an all-new line-up at Team Suzuki Ecstar, replacing Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro. We have a feeling they will be competing for top fives and the odd podiums, while potentially having the chance to win races if things swing their way.

9. Van der Mark jumps ship to Pata Yamaha:
Yamaha didn’t exactly set the world alight in its return to WorldSBK last year, so for 2017 they have signed high-regarded Dutchman Michael Van der Mark to potentially lead their charge alongside Alex Lowes on the factory YZF-R1. And as we know, the man who will replace him at Honda, Stefan Bradl, will be just as eager to upstage him aboard the brand new CBR1000RR.

10. Spriggs steps up with DesmoSport Ducati:
When Mike Jones was confirmed to be heading to Europe this season, it opened up a factory-supported seat at DesmoSport Ducati for fellow Queensland talent Callum Spriggs to fill. As a result, the team’s tradition of working with youthful Aussies will continue into this year’s ASBK season and we’re hearing that he’s already adapting to the Panigale nicely.