Image: Supplied.

Team Suzuki Ecstar has confirmed Josh Waters and rookie Mark Chiodo for the 2018 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in an expanded two-rider roster this season.

Waters, 30, will target a fourth-career Superbike crown this year, while supremely-talented 19-year-old Chiodo steps up to the GSX-R1000R following an impressive Supersport career.

“Last year was unbelievable,” Waters stated. “To return home and go racing with a completely new team and motorcycle and to be able to win the championship definitely exceeded our expectations. I’m really looking forward to defending the title on my Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia GSX-R1000R. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully come away being the first rider to win four premier class titles.”

After finishing fourth in last year’s Australian Supersport Championship, confirmation has come that Chiodo will move into the premier class for this season as one of the sport’s top emerging talents. He will largely benefit from the experience of Waters in his maiden Superbike campaign.

“I’m really excited to make my Superbike class debut this year with Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia” Chiodo said. “It’s going to be a steep learning curve for sure, however I have a great team behind me, the current champion as a teammate and the best motorcycle out there – I can’t wait to get the season started.”

Tema Suzuki Ecstar made a significant impact with Waters in its first attempt of the ASBK series last year, clinching the championship in the final round at Phillip Island and also dominating the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix support races to round out the season.