Frenchman Maxime Berger will join countryman Sylvain Guintoli in the Effenberg Liberty Ducati World Superbike squad in 2012.

The Czech-based team fielded Smrz last season but he did not test with them after the final Portimao round. Berger, on the other hand, did and raised a few eyebrows with his laptimes on a bike which was more factory than his Supersonic effort.

“I am honoured by the confidence that the Effenbert Liberty Racing Team has given welcoming me within their highly professional structure. I know I can count on the all team, with whom I had the pleasure of participating to a private test on the Tuesday following the races in Portimao," said Berger.

"I appreciate the welcome that they reserved me and I am very proud to have the possibility to honor the team’s colours in 2012. They can count on my professionalism, my motivation and the desire to honour my commitment to carry the colours as higher as possible.

"My second season on a Ducati Superbike will be for me the opportunity to fully take advantage of the bike qualities and I have no doubts that the work that we will be undertaking will soon bring its results."