Source: Supplied.

Honda’s official Superbike World Championship team has signed German Stefan Bradl for the 2017 season alongside fellow MotoGP export Nicky Hayden on a new Fireblade.

Bradl, 26, will replace Michael van der Mark – expected to be switching to Yamaha – after missing out on a factory grand prix seat for next year.

“I’m really happy to join the Honda WorldSBK Team for the 2017 season,” 2011 Moto2 World Champion Bradl said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to this new challenge with a really competitive team and I’m sure we’ll do great things together.

“Of course, this is going to be a whole new experience for me but I will try to adapt as quickly as possible, in order to get some really good results. I can’t wait to try the Fireblade and, obviously, it’ll be fantastic to work together with Nicky. We can all look forward to the future and I am super motivated for this new journey.”

Honda WorldSBK Team manager Ronald ten Kate commented: “We are very excited to welcome Stefan Bradl into our team and the WorldSBK paddock. Stefan has chosen to ride with Honda in World Superbike and we will be sure to repay his trust in us in the best possible way.

“In the meetings we’ve had so far, he gave us a clear view on his goals and the way to get there and it is clear that we share the very same approach to racing. Like every other rider coming from MotoGP, he’ll need to get used to the different character of production-based motorcycles and tyres, but considering he is still very young, I’m sure he will learn fast!”

Despite his age, Bradl has a wealth of experience at international level. Since his 125cc debut in 2005, he has collected 19 podium finishes and seven wins across all GP classes. After winning the Moto2 World Championship in 2011, he made his MotoGP debut with the LCR Honda Team in 2012.