David Johnson has been granted a golden opportunity for this week’s Macau Grand Prix with the Australian ace rewarded for a strong season on the roads with a seat on one of the PBM Be Wiser Ducati Panigale V4Rs that Scott Redding and Josh Brookes took to first and second place in this year’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

The amiable Adelaide rider has enjoyed his best year on the roads to date with two superb performances at the Isle of Man, the first coming when he took the Honda Racing Fireblade to third place in the Superstock TT, his first ever podium finish around the Mountain Course.

He then returned to the island to claim a popular victory in the Superbike Classic TT and it’s that kind of form that has seen the Cumbrian chicken farmer turn to him to partner John McGuinness at the Far East event.

“I can’t wait to throw a leg over the PBM V4 and I’m so happy that Birdy has given me this opportunity!” Johnson told bikesportnews.com.

“I’ve never ridden a Ducati in anger ever in my life so I’m definitely going to be feeling a bit nervous jumping on the bike for the first time in FP1 on Thursday.”

Johnson made his debut at the Macau GP back in 2010, finishing 15th, and has since gone on to claim three top ten finishes, the best of which was seventh place twelve months ago on the PR Racing BMW S1000RR.

However, with this year’s Ducati being the best bike he’s ever had at his disposal for the 3.8-mile Guia circuit, he’s firmly intent on bettering that this time around despite the unfamiliarity of the machine.

“The bikes are obviously well up for the job and team is amazing so I just need to harden up and get on with the job. I’m so excited.”