Former WSBK star Jakub Smrz has signed for Ireland-based Millsport Ducati and will remain in the MCE British Superbike Championship for 2014.

Millsport are stepping up from the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 series with the Czech rider, and Smrz is no stranger to Ducatis, having ridden them on the world stage in previous seasons. But he has yet to ride the 1199 Panigale.

Millsport have no experience of BSB and, more imporantly, no data. It has taken the Moto Rapido team three years to get the Panigale into the top ten on a couple of occasions, so Smrz could be in for a torrid time starting from zero.

“I am happy to be joining Millsport and riding a Ducati again in 2014. My first full BSB season was difficult. I had to learn lots of new tracks, but I will be a lot stronger next year,” said Smrz.

“Even though I have not raced the Panigale yet I have a lot of experience with the Ducati twin from previous seasons. We all know the Championship is extremely strong with fast riders and difficult tracks, but we will be working hard to mix it at the front and I hope to be able to bring the Panigale to the top.”