DORSET motorcycle racing star Brad Jones will step up to Britain’s elite level of competition after securing a seat with PR Racing BMW for 2021.

Jones, 22, will race in the British Superbike Championship after competing in British Supersport onboard a 600cc machine for four years, finishing second in the standings to last year’s winner Rory Skinner, who joins the championship with Kawasaki.

PR Racing BMW, based in Liverpool, have 26 years of racing experience and have fostered an ethos to go racing for the passion, developing young talent.

Jones sung PR’s praises and looks forward to developing into a competitive Superbike rider with the team.

He said: “I am over the moon to have this opportunity with PR Racing BMW. For years I have been working hard to make my way up to the Superbike class and that has always been the goal. Now I have got here I want to make the most of it.”

There is a steep learning curve ahead for the young superbike rider, as he now has to tame 225bhp compared to 140bhp last season.

The 2021 British Superbike calendar consists of 11 rounds across the country, with each round made up of three races per weekend.

Jones said: “For the first season I don’t have any expectations, I am well aware and understand that there is a lot of learning and adapting to do, the style of riding is different and that’s something that will take time to get the hang of.

“Fortunately for me, I am working with a crew I’ve worked with before and we can benefit from the team’s wealth of experience.

“I would just like to thank all my loyal sponsors for their support and being part of the journey in getting to Superbikes, now I will relish the experience and I look forward to sharing it with them.”