With thoughts starting to turn to the 2018 WorldSBK Championship, Orelac Racing VerdNatura will make the step up to the WorldSBK category with Leandro Mercado.

The Argentinean rider has put in a stunning effort in the 2017 season, racing with the IODARacing Aprilia backed team he secured a solid championship finish with an impressive performance throughout the season.

The STK1000 runner up from 2016 was able to adapt well to the Aprilia, but now is able to have his sights set on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR for 2018.

On top of this fantastic news, the team will also continue to run in WorldSSP with Spaniard Nacho Calero, once again onboard a Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Jose Calero, Team Principle is delighted with the news: “The step up to WorldSBK is a big one and nobody here is underestimating the amount of hard work that has to be done. It is a very big challenge, but one that we are all excited about."

"When we made the decision to go to WorldSBK next year, Giulio Bardi and I were in contact with quite a few riders. Our talks with Tati were very constructive and we were able to come to a good agreement thanks to Arturo Scalise of Kawasaki Argentina.”