Source: Suzuki Racing.

Tyco Suzuki British Superbike sophomore Josh Waters will depart Australia for the UK today in preparation for the 2014 season.

Waters had a mixed maiden season last year on his way to 13th in the standings, first campaigning an R1 with Milwaukee Yamaha before finishing the season aboard a privateer Kawasaki.

With countryman Josh Brookes defecting to Yamaha for the upcoming season Waters has been given a BSB lifeline by Suzuki alongside John Hopkins and he’s confident he can use what he learnt last year for good measure.

“I’m really excited to get back over to UK this year and get my first run out on the Tyco Suzuki,” said Waters, who married longtime partner Virginia in the off-season. “Having been over to the team workshop in Northern Ireland in November last, they seem like a good bunch of guys, who I’m looking forward to working with this season.

“Last year was a steep learning curve in BSB and things were a lot different, but I feel I am better prepared for this year, so I can’t wait to ride the British Superbike circuits again.

“I haven’t ridden any bikes in Australia besides my brother’s speedway bikes, which was fun, but I really can’t wait to jump back onto a Suzuki. I have spent a lot of my racing career on Suzuki motorcycles while I have been road racing, so it’s great to be back on them.”

Waters was an interested observer during last weekend’s World Superbike opener at Phillip Island, now anxious to kick-start his own season back aboard the GSX-R1000.

“It was a great weekend and awesome to see the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki team so competitive,” Waters added. “I am good mates with Alex Lowes and it was great to hang out. I think he is going to really surprise a lot of people this year.

“Eugene Laverty also rode awesome, winning his first race on a Suzuki. After being trackside watching, it has me even more excited to get on my bike next week in Spain when we go testing.”