Image: Russell Colvin.

Current FX-450GP champion Kenny Redding will step up to the premier Australasian Superbike Championship in 2014 aboard a YRD-supported YZF-R1.

Redding, 25, sampled the R1 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit last week and came away with a positive outlook for the season ahead.

“I’ve really enjoyed today,” said Redding. “It’s something I have been looking forward to for a while now, as it’s something different to the 450GP machine that I raced last year. The 450 had more higher corner speed and the Yamaha R1 is more ‘point and shoot’ style.

“But what I like most about the bike is that it sure does require a lot more muscle to throw the bike around, which something that appealed to me a bit more. I can’t thank my dad [John Redding] enough for this great opportunity.

“Also a huge thanks to Stewart Winton from SW Racing and Cisco Race Tuning for setting the bike up which has helped big time!”

Redding will team up with fellow Victorian rider Brad Conder, who finished fourth overall in the Victorian Superstock 600 class last season.

“My aim is to finish all the racers and keep the thing up right and learn as much as possible,” said Conder. “It’s going to be a tough year, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Redding hopes to nail down a few more test days before the start of season, which kicks off at Wakefield Park, NSW, on 14-16 March.