Australian Josh Brookes will replace injured American John Hopkins for the opening round of the Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island from February 24 to 26.

Brookes, racing for Suzuki in the British Superbike competition, will take over Hopkins’ ride in the Crescent Fixi team after the American suffered a suspected fracture in his right hand following a crash in private testing at Phillip Island on February 13.

“I’m sure I will do a good job and give the Aussie fans another rider to cheer on,” Brookes said.

“This is just a one-off event and I’m treating it that way, but I’m confident I’ve got a great package to really achieve something at Phillip Island.

“I am really looking forward to getting amongst it.”

Brookes’ inclusion means four Australians will line-up in the World Superbike races with BMW pair Mark Aitchison and David Johnson as well as Kawasaki rider Bryan Staring also set to line-up on the grid.