Two-time World Supersport Champion Kenan Sofuoglu will return to the production middleweight class in 2012 after an unsuccessful year in Moto2 which saw him finish the season in 17th with a paltry 59 points.

The Turk has been given a seat by the Lorenzini by Leoni team which will run the official Kawasaki effort as it looks certain incumbents Motocard will take over where Paul Bird left off in World Superbike.

“I’m very happy that Kawasaki has given me this opportunity, which arrived at a particularly difficult time in my career. The experience in Moto2 was important, but for me, it is essential to fight for the title and I’m sure this will be possible thanks to Team Lorenzini. I’ll be back in the World Supersport Championship happy and convinced of my choice and that I will get the support I need for my future," said Sofuoglu.