Image: Russell Colvin.

DesmoSport Ducati’s Mike Jones will attempt the double-header when the World and Australian Superbike championships take off at Phillip Island on 26-28 February.

Jones, 21, will begin the defence of his ASBK title on WorldSBK weekend, while also making a high profile wildcard appearance under the wing of triple world champion Troy Bayliss.

The WorldSBK-spec machine Jones will race is currently being frantically prepared in Adelaide, to be ridden for the first time at the final pre-season test next Monday and Tuesday.

“I’m just hanging back in Brisbane while the boys are hard at it in the Adelaide workshop putting our World Superbike together,” Jones said. “I have been cycling about 15 hours a week, running for a couple of hours and also hitting the gym.

“I’m looking forward to the test. Troy will be in our pit from Monday, so while I know and love Phillip Island, it will be great to get all the tips I can from the master.”

Back at the local level, Jones recently joined a number of his opposition at a two-day shakedown test at Phillip Island, recording the fastest time in his first competitive outing on the 1299 Panigale S.

“I thoroughly enjoyed riding the Panigale at Phillip Island,” he continued. “It’s a fantastic motorcycle, has very smooth power and is so easy to ride. We made good progress in the two-day test. I’m new to the bike, and I came to Phillip Island against very experienced riders who have been riding their bikes for many years, and have competed many times at the Island. To be the fastest was sensational. And they are early days too, so all in all I am feeling comfortable and confident.”

Jones’s first reaction when Bayliss first approached him about the DesmoSport ride was one of astonishment: “It was Incredible when we got the call from Troy. It wasn’t a prank call, either. At first I was a bit nervous because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to adapt to the new bike. But it’s all good, and Troy’s quite happy with where we’re at and how we have adapted to the bike.”

Pre-purchase entry to the 2016 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance round, at Phillip Island will cost $115 for a three-day pass, $80 for a Sunday only pass, while kids 15 and under are free. On circuit camping is just $100 for four nights, with kids 15 and under free. Visit www.ticketek.com.au or www.worldsbk.com.au for tickets and information.