There will now be one more Aprilia RSV4 machine on the World Superbike starting grid at this weekend’s Brno round following a last-minute decision by the Pata B&G Racing Team to switch machinery from Ducati to Aprilia.

Czech rider Jakub Smrz will now be lining up for his home round on the proven race-winning RSV4 bike while the joint team managers Marco Borciani and Mirco Guandalini have bigger ambitions for the second half of the season.

“We really wanted to reach this deal,” a statement from Borciani and Guandalini said. “We are confident that as a result of this collaboration, we will be able to prepare for Smrz the best machine in Superbike, if we look at the overall standings.”

The B&G team are enthusiastic about the challenge but well-aware that the task will not be easy.

“Changing will not be easy, but we are working very hard in order for us to be at our best at Brno, where we will be in three days time,” the team said. “I’m sure this change will be exciting for our rider too, who has been slowed down by technical issues lately and his hard work did not bear fruit.”

Smrz had most recently tested a BMW S 1000 RR in Italy, the team eventually deciding to go with the impressive RSV4 that Max Biaggi currently leads the world championship on.