HRC test rider Takumi Takahashi will race with the Red Bull Honda WorldSBK team at the Portimao and Jerez rounds meaning Italian Davide Giugliano is once again out of a job.

Takahashi has vast experience with the CBR1000RR Fireblade, winning the Suzuka Eight-Hours endurance race three times with the Fireblade in 2010, 2013 and 2014 and also in the JSB1000 class of the MFJ All-Japan Road Race Championship Series (JRR) where he rides for the MuSASHi RT HARC-PRO Honda team.

I’m honoured, as a rider who has continuously fought to race on the world stage, that my achievements and experience have been recognized, and I have been given the opportunity to race in the World Superbike Championship,” said Takahashi.

“I’ll use all of the experience I’ve gained racing the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the All-Japan championship to aim high and contribute to the team. I’d like to ride my best in front of the world’s Superbike fans, so I hope they’ll look forward to seeing me.”