Source: Supplied.

Former Australian Superbike Champion Mike Jones is holding out on signing a domestic deal for 2017 in hope of securing a ride in Europe, following a pair of standout performances with Avintia Racing Ducati in MotoGP last month.

Jones, 22, was able to finish both the Japanese and Australian grands prix after being called in to replace Hector Barbera at the 11th hour, positioning himself on the international map as a result of those mature rides.

It’s understood Jones’ seat at the DesmoSport Ducati team of triple world champion Troy Bayliss and co-owner Ben Henry is secure, however Bayliss has still been attempting to place Jones on an international Ducati team for next year. If not, he’s almost certain to remain in the ASBK aboard the factory-supported Panigale.

“If I stay here in Australia I’m pretty certain Ben and Troy are keen to have me again,” Jones told CycleOnline.com.au. “We’re waiting at the moment, but hopefully I will be back in the ASBK with DesmoSport Ducati if nothing comes up overseas.”

Finishing inside the points at Phillip Island showcased Jones’ talent on the world stage after finishing fifth in the ASBK standings this year, which could have him in the frame for a Ducati team in the European Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. He also scored points in a WorldSBK wildcard locally at the beginning of the year.

“It’s certainly helped make people aware of who I am,” Jones added. “The managers involved in GPs would never have known who I was before at all beforehand, but at least now they know my name. I think also, with Ducati it’s probably helped there as well, because obviously they helped get me on the bike and they’ve seen my approach, the way I go about riding. That’s helped.

“I suppose it’d be good that if they’re intrigued enough to find out more, it would be good if they could put me on a bike somewhere [laughs]! Who knows. I’m pretty sure that it’d be Ducati who would get me over there – that association is how it would all come about if it does.”

Jones understands that a position on a quality team will be paramount if he is to cement himself in Europe, after a mixed season competing internationally as a teenager in 2013. Financially, it’s as challenging as ever for a young Australian to make the jump to Europe.

“In the European Superstock 600 championship I did a couple of wildcards at the end of 2012, then I was attempting to be there in 2013,” he explained. “It was a big learning curve, a big eye-opener in how the system works at that level – pretty much all Aussies who go over there, you’ve got to bring money. I guess it’s a matter of trying to get yourself on a competitive team with a good package, because there’s only so much you can do with your talent.”

It’s not certain if DesmoSport Ducati has a deadline on Jones landing a seat overseas before it would have to sign somebody else for 2017, set to remain a single-rider operation for a second season in the ASBK.