Australian Kyle Webster is set to join JM Honda Racing in the 2020 MXGP World Championship, beginning with the triple-header at Mantova, Italy, from 27 September.

Webster, who was signed to ride MX2 with Penrite Honda Racing this year, will fill-in for Benoit Paturel aboard a CRF450R after he broke his tailbone at Kegums.

“I’m happy we can offer Kyle this opportunity to race on the world stage,” said Jacky Martens, JM Honda Racing team manager. “He’s already proven at home and in the MX of Nations what he’s capable of.

“The last few months have been really difficult for us with Julien Lieber’s retirement followed by the injury of Paturel, but we’re very grateful for the support of Penrite Honda Racing and Honda in this matter.”

After claiming second in the Australian MX2 championship last year, Webster impressed as part of Team Australia in the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Assen by claiming third in the MX2 qualifying race and finishing sixth overall in class.

“I’m super-stoked to go racing in the MXGP World Championship with JM Honda Racing,” 24-year-old Webster commented. “Everything happened pretty quickly, but I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.

“Let’s hope that third time is the charm after racing in the mud in Indonesia in 2017 and last year in Assen! I’d like to thank my team Penrite Honda Racing for granting me the chance to go over to Europe and do this.”

Penrite Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky added: “Jacky and the team run a professional program and the opportunity they have extended to Kyle is fantastic. It’s great that Honda works together globally to support their riders. Jacky is a world champion and will give Kyle opportunities most riders only dream of.”

The MXGP World Championship will resume this weekend with another triple-header event in Faenza, Italy, to be held between 6-13 September.

Webster will partner New Zealander Dylan Walsh, who originally signed with Serco Yamaha to race in Australia this year prior to parting ways. He is currently standing in for Julien Lieber at JM Honda Racing.