Image: Russell Colvin.

A podium at The Bend Motorsport Parks’ third round of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship has reinforced Mike Jones’ decision to contest the series remainder with DesmoSport Ducati.

Jones was a surprise entrant at Phillip Island’s opener aboard Kawasaki machinery, however despite winding up fourth, he still expressed intentions to race overseas before accepting a guest ride with the DesmoSport squad for Wakefield Park, impressing once again as he moved closer to the points lead, and later signing with the Ducati outfit in place of Troy Bayliss.

Claiming pole position in South Australia at the weekend, the 2015 ASBK champion went onto lodge a 2-2-5 scorecard for second overall, moving him to within just 10 points of championship leader Bryan Staring (Kawasaki BCperformance).

“100 percent, I was confident of [the decision] after round two at Wakefield Park, and the result from the weekend is proof that we’re good a team, we’re working together and capable of challenging for the championship,” Jones explained to CycleOnline.com.au.

“We moved forward in the championship on the weekend, and that’s always the goal. Obviously, we’re looking to take race wins and be strong for the championship, but at the same time, you have to be careful and stay on the motorbike as consistency is key.

“We’ll have to play each round as it comes – if we’re strong and feel able to win races, then I’ll certainly do that. And if it’s not possible, I’ll consolidate and take the best possible points I can to give it the best chance in the championship.”

Jones raced internationally in 2017 and 2018 , contesting the European Superstock 1000 Championship before transitioning to the Spanish Superstock 1000 Championship with Speed Racing Team Kawasaki, while he also made a guest MotoGP appearance at the Island in 2018 with Angel Nieto Team.