WorldSSP runner up Steven Odendaal will debut in World Endurance next season as he joins VRD Igol Experiences.

A new challenge for the South African who has so far raced in both FIM Supersport World Championship and Moto2, sees him partner Florian Alt at the French team. The experienced German, who heads into his seventh year with the outfit, will be on hand as the rookie learns the ropes while the VRD Igol Experiences team aim for the podium in 2022 after securing fourth overall last time out. The independent Yamaha-supported team already won the 2016-2017 FIM Superstock World Cup and have progressed year on year since moving up into the EWC class.

British rider James Westmoreland has been confirmed as replacement rider for VRD Igol Experiences while its third full-time racer is yet to be announced.

“A massive attraction for me is the way endurance racing is not all about the fastest bike but more about team strategies to be the most efficient on track,” Odendaal confirmed on his announcement.

“World Endurance is like a game of chess, just a bit more expensive! You have to use all your team members to achieve one goal. As an individual you can’t win the race. You have to help your team mates, learn from them, share your success with them.

“It is completely different to what I am used to and I am very excited to start this new adventure. I have always believed in team work on and off track and I think I am a good team player.”