Source: Supplied.

Patrick ‘PJ’ Jacobsen and the Honda World Supersport Team are ready to challenge for top honours in the upcoming 2016 FIM Supersport World Championship campaign.

The 22-year-old will line up alongside compatriot Nicky Hayden to ride a Honda CBR600RR prepared by Ten Kate Racing, with the goal to become the first American rider to clinch the ultimate prize in the series.

“I feel really good going into the new season with Honda and I can’t wait to get started,” Jacobsen said. “It’s great to have the opportunity to race with Honda and Ten Kate.

“The goals for the season are high – I finished second in the championship last year, so the only thing left is to get the number one spot.

“It’s not going to be easy as there are a lot of competitive riders out there this year, but the key will be to be riding at the front, race in, race out.

“I intend to take every round as it comes though, starting at Phillip Island of course. I would like to thank Ten Kate and Honda for this opportunity. We’ll do our best to make our fans proud!”

Last year, Jacobsen joined the Honda family from the seventh World Supersport round onwards. Since then, he rose to the status of championship contender by winning two races and finishing on the podium five times out of six rounds.

He eventually ended the season in runner-up spot, and also added two pole positions and two fastest laps to his impressive racing CV.

Ronald ten Kate: “We’re happy to confirm our World Supersport effort for 2016. PJ’s perseverance has been rewarded and I believe we have now have the team, the bike and the rider to do well this year.

“We already tested with PJ before Christmas and he knows the bike inside out, so hopefully we’ll be able to be competitive straight away.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. I would also like to give a big thank you to all the sponsors who kept believing and supporting this project.”

The opening round of the World Supersport season will take place at Phillip Island on February 28th and it will be preceded by a two-day official test on the same track, scheduled for the Monday and Tuesday.