Suzuki Australia has confirmed that Josh Waters will complete just a partial season of Australian Superbike racing in 2011, his future continuing to remain a mystery.
In a release to announce that the 2009 ASBK champion had landed a wild card ride in the Phillip Island round of World Superbike next month, Suzuki revealed that “Waters will continue as part of Team Suzuki competing in selected Australian Superbike rounds”.
Waters will ride for the Japanese Yoshimura Suzuki team at the Island, and Suzuki Australia general manager, motorcycles, Perry Morison looks forward to watching the 23-year-old debut on the world stage.
“We’re really happy that the Yoshimura Racing Team has asked Josh to race at the Phillip Island World Superbike round,” Morison said.
“2010 was a challenging year for Josh, but he showed what he is capable of by returning from injury to take a race win at the MotoGP superbike support race.
“His opportunity with Yoshimura now lets him showcase his talent on the world stage and I can’t wait to see him race.”
Yoshimura Japan president Fujio Yoshimura hand-picked Waters to represent the team at the World Superbike opener and he is excited to see him come race time.
“We are extremely excited to have Josh on board” said Yoshimura. “He is a very talented rider and we look forward to seeing what he can do at his home track.”
With Waters only completing selected rounds of the ASBK and three-time champion Shawn Giles announcing his retirement from the sport yesterday, reigning Supersport champion Troy Herfoss is the lone full time Team Suzuki rider confirmed for 2011 at this point.