Londoner Gino Rea has abandoned his plans for another season in Moto2 and will race in World Supersport with the CIA PTR Honda team this year.

Rea has had a tough time in the MotoGP support class, running on a shoestring budget and he says going to producion-based championship as he wants to get back to winning races. It comes at a cost though, as Rea replaces South African Sheridan Morais.

“Getting a competitive bike and team in any Championship is absolutely vital. I want to win races again, so I spoke with CIA Landlords Insurance Honda and we agreed terms very quickly,” said Rea.

“We both share the same ambitions and that is to win races and a World Championship. I know how competitive the team is from racing against them in the past, so I’m confident that we can be at the front.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a World Supersport machine so I can’t wait to get on the bike in Australia. I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”