Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Standout Australian Supersport Championship rookie Tom Toparis will make a surprise wildcard appearance in the Japanese and Australian rounds of the Moto3 World Championship.

After finishing second in last year’s Up To 300 division of the Supersport 300 series, 18-year-old Toparis transferred to Supersport with Cube Racing and is currently third in the standings.

Toparis’ pair of Moto3 wildcard opportunities will come with the support of Leda Nutrition and it’s expected that he will compete aboard an older generation Kalex KTM that was previously used by Kiefer Racing.

“The opportunity all came about when Riki Lanyon from Leda Nutrition had the idea that he wanted me to wildcard in Moto3,” said Toparis. “Without a doubt, I had to grab the opportunity and run with it. Of course, racing in Moto3 will be unlike anything I have ever competed in before. We have organised a bike for us to test on and hopefully we can get several laps in.

“The schedule will be racing at the last round of the ASBK, Motegi and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in very short succession. Competing at the front will be likely out of the question, however I’m hoping to gain valuable experience and knowledge from the wildcard appearances. I’m expecting my crew to largely be made up of the Cube Racing team from ASBK and this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Only two years ago, I visited Phillip Island for an ASBK round and one of my mates told me that I should have a go at racing. Now I will be in Moto3 within the world championship! I’m really looking forward to the challenge and I’m very excited to represent Australia on the world stage.”

Toparis’ first wildcard appearance will be at Motegi in Japan on 13-15 October, which will provide a full weekend of experience prior to Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on 20-22 October.