The Australian contingent for the 2012 World Superbike Championship season-opening round at Phillip Island has grown to five, with Bryan Staring securing an injury replacement ride for Team Pedercini Kawasaki.

Staring, who rides for Team Pedercini in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, was handed the opportunity to race in Australia after Leandro Mercado was injured in a training accident last week.

Fresh from a challenging 10 days at the Australian institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra as part of the 2012 MA-AIS Training Development Camp, Staring said the news came as a bit of shock but the opportunity was too good turn down.

“I’m jumping out of my skin at the moment,” Staring said. “It’s unfortunate for my teammate (to get injured), but that’s racing and it gives me an opportunity to compete on the biggest stage against some the world’s best.

“I owe a lot to Team Pedercini Kawasaki for this opportunity because they don’t have to bring the bike over, with all the freight cost, from Europe, but it’s a credit to them for making the effort to compete at Phillip Island.”

The 2010 Australian Superbike Champion made the move to Europe in 2011, signing to ride with Team Pedercini in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, his first taste of international competition.

A year of ups and downs on and off the bike provided the Western Australian with a first-hand insight into the world of international racing, believing 12 months down the track he is better equipped to utilise his chance at Phillip Island after riding as a Wildcard in last year’s event.

“I’ve got a lot more confidence this time around going into the season, knowing what to expect,” he said.

“Last year was a real learning curve in Europe, but I feel I can use those experiences and I’m really excited about Phillip Island and the season ahead.”

Staring joins Mark Aitchison and Wildcard David Johnston as the Aussie representatives in the Superbike class, while Broc Parkes and Jed Metcher will compete in the Supersport class.

The Australian Round of the 2012 World Superbike Championship takes place at Phillip Island, Victoria from 24-26 February.