Image: Foremost Media.

Kawasaki BCperformance’s Bryan Staring has been called in to deputise for Bo Bendsneyder in this weekend’s Phillip Island round of the 2018 Moto2 World Championship, joining countryman Remy Gardner at Tech3 Racing.

Staring, 31, will ride the Mistral 610 in place of the Dutch rookie, who broke his left leg at Motegi last weekend. The Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix marks Staring’s return to GPs after completing the 2012 season in MotoGP with Gresini Honda.

“I’m really excited to come and ride Moto2, the first time for me ever in this category,” Staring commented. “Actually, it’s such an honour to be able to race at the Australian grand prix, which is my home GP.

“A massive thank you to Herve Poncharal for giving me the opportunity on this special bike and also to Kawasaki Australia for allowing me to do this event. I have really no expectations, but a lot of anticipation. I’m looking forward to go out on the bike and enjoying the weekend!”

The weekend will mark Staring’s first ride in the Moto2 category, recently finishing sixth in this year’s Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK). His lone round win came at Phillip Island’s opening round in February.