Mildura’s Josh Waters was able to mix it up with the best Superbike riders on the planet today when he made his World Superbike debut for Yoshimura Suzuki during testing at Phillip Island.

Waters, who won the 2009 Australian Superbike Championship, set an impressive 1:33.140 to edge out BMW’s dual world champion Troy Corser as top Aussie in 12th overall, and was less than a second off the pace from a top three position overall.

For Waters, the opportunity to share the circuit with the world’s best was a memorable moment in his career to date.

By the end of the afternoon session, he was sandwiched directly between Kawasaki factory rookie Joan Lascorz and Castrol Honda veteran Ruben Xaus.

“It was cool to leave the pits, seeing guys like Johnny Rea or Noriyuki Haga heading out onto the track also,” Waters told MotoOnline.com.au this evening “It was all good though, the bike was completely different but we are adapting and everything is on track at the moment.”

Waters was assisted by domestic Team Suzuki manager Phil Tainton during the test today, a factor that he believes will speed up his learning curve.

“I was really lucky to have Phil Tainton down here with me today, which was just completely awesome – I can’t thank him enough,” Waters continued. “The team were also great. The last race they did was at the Suzuki 8 Hour so they hadn’t raced in a while.

“I’m confident we can keep improving and am really looking forward to the race weekend coming up in a few days.”

Waters will race this weekend for Yoshimura Suzuki before turning his attention to select rounds of the ASBK and potentially more international rides to round out the year.