Image: Supplied.

Queenslander Mike Jones will remain in Europe for 2018 after securing a deal with Team Speed Racing to contest the RFME Spanish Speed Championship aboard a Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

The 23-year-old will line up in the Superstock 1000 category following a breakout season in the European championship with the Aruba.it Racing Junior Team last year.

With Ducati not continuing in STK1000, Jones will look to further establish himself overseas in the Spanish series rather than returning to Australia. He finished fifth in last year’s European championship as a rookie.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining Team Speed Racing for the 2018 season,” Jones stated. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to achieve a high level of success together in the RFME Spanish Speed Superstock 1000 Championship. I’m confident and prepared to perform to the best of my ability. I wish to thank the team for trusting me and I look forward to beginning our work together shortly.”

Jones’ first race appearance with Team Speed Racing will come during the season-opening round on 7-8 April at the Albacete circuit. This year marks a return to Kawasaki machinery for Jones, who won the Australian Superbike Championship aboard a ZX-10R in 2015.