Britain’s Kyle Smith will swap his Pata Honda World Supersport CBR600 for a FCC-TSR Fireblade when he makes his Suzuka Eight-Hours debut in July.
Although not officially confirmed, Smith will take his place alongside Swiss Moto2 star Dominique Aegerter and Japanese rider Kousuke Akiyoshi in the FCC-TSR team which has previously won the event with Jonathan Rea.
Smith is due to fly to Japan early next month for his first test on the bike before the race at the end of July - a baptism of fire for the youngster as it will be his first endurance race and first competitive ride on a Superbike.