Image: Keith Muir.

Queensland talent Callum Spriggs will join DesmoSport Ducati for the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) aboard the factory-supported 1299 Panigale S in what will be his rookie premier class campaign.

Spriggs, 22, had his first taste of the DesmoSport Ducati at Phillip Island in October, prior to clinching the Phillip Island Supersport Championship with a victory on the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix weekend. He finished fourth in the Australian championship.

“I am very grateful to Troy and Ben for giving me this awesome opportunity of riding the DesmoSport Ducati next season,” Spriggs explained. “I have big shoes to fill after Mike, but I am keen for the challenge and will give it everything.

“I am getting really excited for my first year in the Superbike class now, especially with the amount of tough competition in the ASBK – I’m just keen to get on it next weekend and start testing.”

DesmoSport Ducati was formed in 2016, co-owned by triple Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss and ASBK title-winning team owner Ben Henry, claiming fifth in the standings with former champion Mike Jones. He will head to compete in the European Superstock 1000 Cup with the Aruba.it Racing Ducati Junior Team next season.