Expat Brit Smith to join reigning WSS champions Pata Honda

Expatriated British rider Kyle Smith will step into the shoes of World Supersport champion Michael van der Mark as he replaces the WSB-bound Dutchman as a single man team, according to MCN ‘s insider sources in the Huddersfield native’s camp.

Smith is set to be unveiled at the team’s official unveiling tomorrow at the Verona Motorcycle Show, close to the home base of title sponsor Pata. Speculation has been rife in the WSB paddock in recent months about who would step onto the championship winning bike, with many believing that the most successful team in the history of the series would dramatically opt out of 2015 to concentrate on their Superbike duo of reigning world champions Sylvain Guintoli and van der Mark.

Smith comes to the team familiar with Honda machinery, having contested the 2014 European Stock 1000 championship for Racedays Honda on a 1000cc Fireblade. However, the 23 year old also has CBR600 experience, taking a win at Jerez in 2013 in the European Stock 600 class.