Xavi Fores has been confirmed with the Puccetti Kawasaki team for next year’s WorldSBK championship challenge.

The Spaniard took six podiums in his previous spell in the Championship and after a season away, he is coming back with a bigger point to prove than ever before.

Aged 34, Fores will look to bring his experience from various Championships to the Puccetti Kawasaki squad in 2020, where he will replace Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Fores’s previous time in World Superbike had plenty of success, when he took six podiums, three front row starts and set one fastest lap, not to mention his 33 laps in the lead over the course of his career.

“I am really happy to re-join WorldSBK with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team for next season. Manuel and Kawasaki have built a very strong team in the last few seasons and it was very easy to make a deal with them,” said Fores.

“The bike is very strong and I think it can suit my riding style very well, so I was pushing hard to close the deal with Manuel. I can’t wait to jump on the bike and start to work hard to prepare for next season to make sure we start Round One in Australia with a strong package and in good shape.

“I want to thank Kawasaki Europe for their big effort and their support, and I also want to thank Manuel for his trust in me.”

The move crosses another possible off the list of Leon Hasam’s berths. He has possibles with Ten Kate and the Moriwaki Honda squad.