Spain-based Brit Kyle Smith will move to the Lorini Honda team in 2017 in order to step up his chances of mounting a WorldSSP attack in 2017.

Smith spent this year with the CIA Honda team and took a close-run victory over Kenan Sofuoglu at the Qatar season finale and believes the strength of the Gemar Balloons-backed team is what he needs.

“I'm very excited to join Gemar Balloons-Team Lorini Honda. We've been in talks for some time now and I have been really impressed by the Lorini brothers’ attitude. Having raced against their bike this year I know they have put together a very strong package. 2017 will be my third year in World Supersport and I feel I'm riding at my best ever,” said Smith.

“My goal now is to try and win the championship and I'd like to thank Gemar Balloons and Lorini Honda plus WILSport and all my personal sponsors for their trust in me.”