By Katie Humphris

Lydd's Bradley Ray is stepping up to the world stage next year after signing for World Superbikes team Motoxracing Yamaha.

The move is a reward for Ray's stellar season in British Superbikes with OMG Racing, where the 25-year-old took the title in the final round at Brands Hatch.

In all Ray won nine times with 23 podiums in 2022 - stats which did not go unnoticed. And now he gets the chance to test his skills against tougher opposition after signing up for the European leg of the championship.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Yamaha have rewarded me with this opportunity to take the next step with the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team," Ray told the official World Superbikes website.

"I've dreamed of being World Superbike champion since my race debut at three-years-old and I'm only too aware that it wouldn’t be possible without the support of a manufacturer like Yamaha and the team I have around me.

"I'm very keen to get started in WorldSBK and hope to follow in the footsteps of many of the successful Brits in the championship.

"It's time to take aim for that next title, step by step!”

Following a stellar domestic campaign Yamaha have great expectations for Ray - and they are confident he can meet them.

"After an incredible first season on the R1 in British Superbikes, Bradley has shown that he fully deserves his spot on the WorldSBK grid in 2023," Yamaha Motor Europe’s road racing manager Andrea Dosoli said.

"We’ve seen over the years that he has fantastic race craft and consistency that allowed him to win the title this year.

"We are sure that he will be able to adapt quickly, as he has been able to throughout his career so far."

The World Superbikes season begins in Australia on February 24-26, with Ray due to make his debut in round three at Assen, in the Netherlands, on April 21-23.

The final round of the European season is at Portimao, Portugal, on September 29-October 1.