de Rosa replaced by Cardenas at PTR Honda

CIA Insurance PTR Honda has confirmed that Colombian racer Martin Cardenas will join its team for the remainder of the World Supersport Championship in place of Raffaele de Rosa.

A former 250GP and Moto2 rider, Cardenas has established a successful career competing in the United States, winning the 2010 and 2012 AMA SportBike series, while he recently concluded his 2014 AMA Pro Superbike season with sixth overall.

Keen to continue his racing season beyond Septemeber, Cardenas will ride the CIA Insurance-backed Honda CBR600RR alongside Jack Kennedy, Ratthapark Wilairot and Nacho Calero in Magny-Cours and Losail.

"I have enjoyed a decent season in the USA but it came to a finish too early. I feel I am getting into my stride and riding well, so I want to see what I can do on the world stage.

"Getting a good bike in WSS is tough but I am looking forward to riding the CIA Insurance Honda. It's been on the podium a couple of times this year and is clearly right up there with the best. I have realistic targets and want to see what I can achieve, this is going to be a great experience for me, I can't wait to get racing."

Though it is not clear why de Rosa - who was a last minute inclusion in the PTR team at the start of the season and is the team's highest placed rider in the standings - will not compete in the final two events, team manager Simon Buckmaster is looking forward to seeing what Cardenas can do on the bike.

"We are delighted to be able to give Martin a competitive bike to race in the World Supersport Championship.

"It will be difficult for him to race at the front of such a competitive Championship but he is a quality rider and we will be doing our best together to see just how fast he really is. My view is if he can challenge for the top 10 then it would be a major success and indicator of his potential ability to compete at the front over the course of a whole season."

Despite the late nature of his WSS deal, de Rosa was a regular front runner on the PTR Honda, scoring a maiden podium at the Phillip Island opener. With two rounds to go de Rosa is ninth overall, just ahead of Kennedy.