Smrz to race Millsport Ducati in BSB 2014

Czech star Jakub Smrz has signed to ride a Ducati Panigale for Millsport Racing in the 2014 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

Smrz, just 15th overall for Padgetts Honda in this year's BSB standings, achieved much of his World Superbike success on Ducati machinery. Meanwhile the Millsport team will be making the step up from Superstock.

"I am happy to be joining Millsport Racing and to be riding a Ducati again in 2014," said Smrz. "My first full BSB season was difficult as I had to learn lots of new tracks, but now I will be a lot stronger next year.

"Even though I have not raced the Panigale yet I have a lot of experience with the Ducati twin from previous seasons and I am glad to be part of the Italian family again.

"We all know the championship is extremely strong with fast riders and difficult tracks, but we will be working hard to mix it at the front and I hope to be able to bring the Panigale to the top."

Team manager Patrick Murray added: "It is great news for us to be able to bring a rider of Jakub's experience to our team.

"He has a vast knowledge of Ducati machinery after riding for six years in the World Superbike Championship and returning to a manufacturer he is familiar with combined with the fact he has now learnt the tracks, gives us great confidence to achieve our goals for the 2014 BSB season."

Smrz took five WSBK podiums and three poles between 2007-2012.