Recently crowned FIM 1000 Superstock Cup World Champion, Brendan Roberts has confirmed to ride for the Guandalini Ducati team in World Superbikes for 2009. Roberts clinched the deal to ride alongside Jakub Smrz and under the watchful eye of ex World Superbike rider, the likeable Pierfrancesco Chili.

Roberts who sealed the Championship win at the final round at Portimao has landed himself the ride in the premiere World Superbike class and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of friend and fellow countryman Troy Bayliss.

Riding the RS09 Ducati for the team the youngster is looking forward to his forthcoming season and his rookie year in the Superbike series. Having done some testing on the F08 Ducati this season Roberts is eager to get back racing and although there is some tough new challenges next year, he is keen to take it on.

Having some time out back home in Australia Roberts commented "I've been given a fantastic opportunity next year and I'll be riding in the Superbike class against some of the biggest names in the sport. It's going to be tough as I have to learn a new bike, plus a couple of new tracks and there are a handful of extremely good riders coming from the UK, which will add to the mix of it all. I'm really excited and happy I've been given the chance to ride for the Guandalini team and extremely looking forward to the first test in January."