Stefan Bradl confirms World SBK switch

Stefan Bradl will join the World Superbike Championship next season after agreeing terms with the factory Honda outfit.

The announcement sees the German rider bring his five-year stint in MotoGP to an end.

Bradl stepped up to the premier class in 2012 with LCR Honda after winning the Moto2 World Championship in the previous season.

The 26-year-old was left without a MotoGP ride after current employers Aprilia confirmed a 2017 rider line-up of Aleix Espargaro and Sam Lowes.

Bradl’s decision to move to the World Superbike Championship will see him team up with 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to this new challenge with a really competitive team and I’m sure we’ll do great things together,” said Bradl.

“Of course, this is going to be a whole new experience for me but I will try to adapt as quickly as possible, in order to get some really good results.

“I can’t wait to try the Fireblade and, obviously, it’ll be fantastic to work together with Nicky (Hayden).

“I think it’s a fantastic combination because we understand each other really well. We can all look forward to the future and I am super motivated for this new journey.”

Bradl’s arrival will see Dutchman Michael van der Mark leave the Honda operation at the end of the season.