PJ Jacobsen to make belated PTR debut

PJ Jacobsen will make his World Supersport Championship debut during the third round of the season at Assen after being called up to replace the injured Pawel Szkopek at Bogdanka Racing.

The 18-year-old American was originally named in PTR's six-strong rider line-up prior to the season but funding problems would see him replaced by Jules Cluzel ahead of the curtain raiser in the Australia.

Nonetheless, Jacobsen will now get his shot on the WSS stage in place of Szkopek, who broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg during a high speed accident last time out at Imola.

"I feel pretty good. I've been training a lot and pretty much waiting for a phone call. I'm very excited about riding the Bogdanka Honda PTR. My goal is to ride as fast as I can. I don't really know what to expect as I haven't raced in the World Supersport Championship before but I tested a PTR Honda in January and really liked it.

"I have a lot of confidence, I know the bike and know it's very good and capable, an all-round good bike, so I am just looking forward to a good race. I've raced in the Spanish Championship before but I don't know any other European tracks, including Assen, so it will be a new experience for me.

"I've been playing it on a video game every day recently which should be helpful. It's a fast a flowing circuit which should suit my style and my 125cc background. I don't feel any pressure and just want to go out and ride my race with the Bogdanka Honda PTR team."

Bogdanka Racing is one of four teams being prepared by PTR in 2012.