Spanish star Jordi Torres has been thrown a WorldSBK lifeline by Midori Moriwaki's MIE Althea team.

Torres had signed a two-year deal with Pedercini but the Italian team lost its title sponsor and  the former Moto2 rider was resigned to a season racing electric bikes.

But today in Tokyo, Torres was announced as partner to Takumi Takahashi in the squad.

“I’m thrilled to have the chance to race in the WorldSBK championship with Honda and the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team," said Torres.

"I’m prepared to work closely with the team, bringing my own experience but also learning from them. I’m sure that by combining our efforts, we will be able to continuously improve our performance and our results over the season.

"I am looking forward to riding the new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and will do my best for the team, Honda and all our fans."