Hot teenage prospect Matt Davies is another addition to PTR Honda's extensive World Supersport line-up in 2013.
The young Australian rider cut his teeth in off-road racing in his homeland before travelling to England to compete in the Superteen and British 125cc Championships.
Davies won the first European Junior Cup Championship in 2011 before switching to the European Superstock 600 series this year.
He will join the PTR Honda team at
Jerez in Spain on January 22, his 17th birthday, for pre-season testing.
“I am very excited about joining PTR for my first season in World Supersport,” he said.
“As a rookie I could not have asked for a better team to help with my development.
“I will have a lot to learn but I know I will have the right people around me to help me achieve the best results. I will get my first ride on the PTR Honda on my 17th birthday and I cannot wait.”
Team manager Simon Buckmaster, who has tipped Davies for a future career in
World Superbikes and MotoGP, said he was 'excited' by the potential of the young racer.
“Matt is only 17 in January and has already shown great potential.
“PTR has in most cases worked with young riders and when the chance came around to work with Matt we were excited about what we could achieve together in the coming seasons to see Matt grow as a rider,” said Buckmaster.
“There is no pressure on him in 2013; we just want to work with him to achieve the best we can as he steps up to a full World Championship.
“After that I am sure we will see Matt challenging for the Supersport title and then on into WSB or MotoGP.
“He has ridden in the UK as well, so support for him from Australia and the UK will be a great boost.”