Broc Parkes scores MotoGP ride for 2014

Parkes will partner current rider, Michael Laverty, on the PBM Aprilias for next year's MotoGP World Championship.

Parkes has some history with the PBM squad, having previously ridden their Kawasakis in the 2009 World Superbike Championship.

The Aussie, who turns 32 later this month, has been a regular on the World Supersport Championship since 2003, with a best result of runner-up in 2004 (with Ten Kate Honda) and 2007 (with the factory Yamaha squad).

Most recently, Parkes has been racing in domestic series', along with a number of fill-in and one-off rides for various teams, including in the World Endurance Championship.

Laverty ended his debut season in the MotoGP World Championship in 25th overall with a best race result of 13th at Jerez.

Broc Parkes
"Firstly, I'd like to say a massive thanks to Paul Bird for the opportunity to work with his team once again; I'm really looking forward to it. This is the premier class and it's every rider's dream to race in MotoGP.

"I know this is going to be a tough season but I'm certainly up for the challenge, I can't wait to get started."

Michael Laverty
"We learned so much in year one that I'm delighted Paul has continued his involvement with MotoGP™ and that he's given me the opportunity to continue with the project. Everyone has told me that year two is much easier so the aim is to put into place what we have learned and to raise our game accordingly. The class is going to be a lot tougher with the new production bikes but our aim is to consistently score points."

Paul Bird, Team Owner
"We've done a lot of spade work in MotoGP™ over the past two seasons so the plan is to build on that and work with our partners and Michael and Broc are very capable of delivering!"

Image: motogp.com