Former Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters has spoken out about his upcoming wild card ride at Phillip Island’s opening round of the 2011 Superbike World Championship on 25-27 February.

Riding for the Japanese Yoshimura Suzuki squad, Waters joins countrymen Troy Corser and Chris Vermeulen on the grid to shape the strongest local representation at the Aussie WSBK round in many years.

“I can’t wait to join some of the world’s best riders on the grid at Phillip Island,” said Waters, who turns 24 next week.

“I certainly know that it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but all I can do is try my hardest and see how it goes.

“Yoshimura Suzuki is very successful team and its bike is extremely well prepared, so I hope that I can be up there and pushing hard against the world championship regulars.

“I would also like to thank Suzuki Australia for allowing me the opportunity to compete in the WSBK races, as it means I won’t be able to compete in the opening round of the 2011 Australian Superbike Championship, which will be held on the same weekend.”

Yoshimura Suzuki first dipped its toe into WSBK competition last year, and is set to increase its presence in 2011.

“I guess a strong result at Phillip Island may open up some more opportunities for me down the track, but my primary focus is showing them what I can do at Phillip Island,” Waters added.

Waters will join Corser and Vermeulen at the second official pre-season test at Phillip Island from 21-22 February, with all the World Superbike and Supersport teams making their way back to the circuit three days later for the start of the season proper.