Having spent a good part of his career aboard a Ducati and scoring two ASBK Australian Superbike titles in the process, as well as competing in the European Stock 1000 series and a couple of MotoGP races, Mike Jones now embarks on a new challenge. The 27-year old Brisbane native will be riding a factory Yamaha R1 next season, alongside the reconfirmed Cru Halliday, who already scored several podiums this year.

Mike doesn’t conceal his ambitions ahead of the new season, and jokes about his race number: "I’m pleased to announce that there’ll be a number 46 Yamaha again next season! Joking aside, I think it’s a great moment to join Yamaha, seeing as they won it all this season, at both the world and national level, the R1 proving to be one of the most competitive bikes around".

Jones: "Ducati will always be in my heart"

Despite a change of manufacturer, Jones is well aware of the opportunities and success he achieved with the Italian bike: "Having confirmed my plans for 2022, I’d like to thank Troy Bayliss and all the members of the Desmosport Ducati team. I won my second SBK title with them in 2019, and also achieved my dream of becoming a MotoGP rider on two occasions. Thanks also to all the ducatisti who have always supported me around the world. The Ducati will always have a special place in my heart, as I’ve spent the best moments of my career to date with her".

Translated by Heather Watson

Graziano Rossi discharged from Fano Hospital