Luca Vitali will be one of two riders to make their WorldSBK debut at Misano this weekend after being tapped up by the Orelac Racing team to replace the injured Oliver Konig.

The Italian is a mainstay in the CIV Superbike Championship, where he is a regular podium winner and scored his first victory in the series - which features the likes of Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori - last season.

He has been called up as a last minute replacement for Konig, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained last time out at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

“This weekend, I'm going to take on a World Superbike race for the first time,” said former SSTK 1000 front runner Vitali. “I was planning on coming to see the round like every year, but the Orelac Racing MOVISIO team called me last night, which definitely changed my weekend plans! 

“It’s going to be hard never tried this bike, let alone a WorldSBK bike, but lets see what we can get. Luckily, at least I know the track well. I’m very curious right now.”

“Unfortunately, the health of my ankle does not allow me to participate in the next WorldSBK event,” 21-year old Konig shared on Instagram. “So, for the safety of mine and the other riders, we have decided to skip this weekend and hopefully, we will be fully prepared for the next race. Good luck to the team at Misano. I apologise to all my supporters and partners.”

Vitali won’t be the only rider making his WorldSBK debut this weekend, with former BSB rider Ryo Mizuno lining up for Petronas MIE Racing Honda for the first time in place of the injured Eric Granado.

CLICK HERE to view the 2023 WorldSBK Championship standings