Source: Supplied.

Red Bull Honda has made American Jake Gagne’s signing for the 2018 Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) official, to join series mainstay Leon Camier in a refreshed line-up for next season.

Gagne, 24, contested a number of rounds this year in place of countryman Nicky Hayden and the Californian will now have the opportunity to compete in the world championship full-time aboard the official CBR1000RR SP2.

“It’s really a dream come true to have the chance to contest a full World Superbike season with the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team,” Gagne said. “I cannot thank Red Bull, Honda and Ten Kate enough for the opportunity to race the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 over three rounds this year.

“I have learned so much from them and I got to know them quite well, so I’m looking forward to getting going again. 2018 will be an exciting year for me, with a lot of travelling and racing on some of the best race tracks in the world. I want to thank again everyone involved for this incredible opportunity, and I feel I’m ready for the challenge ahead!”

Honda’s WorldSBK operations manager Marco Chini added: “We are delighted to have Jake on board for the 2018 season. He picked up the challenge this year and jumped on our Fireblade without prior testing and did well at Laguna Seca and later showed his talent at tracks he had never raced before. He is young, gifted and a great guy, so he’s the right choice for the team to ride alongside Leon. We look forward to seeing him on track very soon and we’re sure American fans will be happy to cheer him on.”

Gagne’s arrival spells the end of German Stefan Bradl’s time at Red Bull Honda following a largely difficult first season in WorldSBK. His former MotoAmerica team, Genuine Broaster Chicken Honda Racing, is currently assessing its options for next year, including a test with Australian Josh Hook last week in California.