YATE'S Luke Hedger will get the chance to ride with the best riders in the country when he makes his Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut this weekend at Knockhill.

He will line-up on the grid in place of his injured Jones Bowker Motorrad BMW team-mate Jakub Smrz.

Smrz sustained a dislocated collar bone which required surgery and a subsequent recovery period during a World Endurance appearance, so the team have decided to give Hedger the opportunity to progress from the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship.

Hedger said: “I am so excited to ride the Superbike and buzzing that I get the chance to ride with the best riders in Britain.

"I’ve already had a little run out last week to help get me comfortable on the bike and feel the difference between the Superstock and BSB spec machines.

“The plan is to hit the ground running at Knockhill, but I’m under no illusions that there will be a lot to learn as I make the switch.

"I can’t thank PR Racing enough for having the faith in me to let me loose on the superbike, and a massive shot out must go to my personal sponsors who without their support this would not be possible.”

Team owner John Jameson said: “It was always our intentions to bring Luke into the BSB Championship, with Kuba injured, it is just earlier than planned. After sitting down with Luke, he has assured us he is ready for the next step.

"After his fantastic performance on the stocker at Snetterton and the recent testing on the Superbike, we are confident that he will do well.”