Gareth Jones will switch from BMW to Monster Energy Yamaha for 2013.

After a positive and successful 2012 season culminating in an overall fourth place in the IDM German Superbike Championship, Gareth Jones has announced he will be on board the Monster Energy Yamaha factory team in 2013.

Under the direction of Michael Galinski and with teammate Matej Smrz, Jones is looking forward to returning to Europe in March to begin work at the first test aboard the Yamaha R1 in Spain.

“After discussions with team director Michael Galinski, we came to an arrangement for 2013 which we are both very happy about,” Jones commented. “I have known Michael and the Yamaha Motor Deutschland team since I first started racing in Europe five years ago and I am now very pleased to be part of the factory Monster Yamaha team.

“I have ridden a Yamaha for much of my career and I am very happy to be back aboard an R1 in the IDM Championship. I know we will be a very competitive package this season.

“My training will continue here in Australia until my return to Europe and I’m sure we can continue with an upward trend of results and be fighting for the top spot in the championship.”

Jones formed part of the Wilbers BMW team during the 2012 season on his way to fourth in the title chase.