Image: Russell Colvin.

The stage is set for Josh Hook to make his WorldSBK debut in round three at Aragon, Spain, on 1-3 April. The Australian will climb aboard his Kawasaki for the first time since crashing out in testing before round one at Phillip Island.

Having successfully rehabilitated the shoulder injury sustained in that crash, Hook is chomping at the bit to take his place on the grid at Aragon, after missing both the Phillip Island and Thailand rounds.

“The WorldSBK field is top notch this year,” Hook said. “Watching on from the pits has been a massive challenge for me over the first two rounds, but it has also given me the opportunity to stand back and watch the field from the outside, which has been really beneficial. I just can’t wait to get out there and race.”

Hook joined the Italian owned Grillini Racing Team this season, having earned his WorldSBK spot through outstanding results at home and in Asia over the past few seasons. He is eager to take full advantage of a rare world championship opportunity.

“My season starts now,” he continued. “Getting the bike right is a process and we have only been able to do so much while I’ve been injured. Now I’m fit and ready to race, the team and I can focus on getting the bike to where it needs to be and put some good results on the board.”

Hook has made great use of his downtime, announcing new partnerships with two Australian companies in The Australian Brewery and Adina Watches. Both companies will support him throughout the 2016 season.