Parkes delighted with return bout

Parkes, 30, last rode for Ten Kate way back in 2004, when he finished second in the supersport championship behind countryman Karl Muggeridge. He then left the Dutch-based outfit for other pastures, but after a seven-year absence he’s returned as the search continues to win his maiden world Supersport title.

“Everyone knows that Ten Kate is the No.1 team in world Supersport,” said Parkes. “So I am very thankful to have this opportunity again.

“I had some other options, but Ten Kate was always on the top of my list. I like the team’s attitude towards racing. It’s the same as mine: it’s there to win.”

Ten Kate Honda won eight world Supersport titles between 2002 and 2010, with Australians Chris Vermeulen and Andrew Pitt also among the champions.

The grid has undergone a major shake-up over the off-season, with the departure of 2011 top guns Chaz Davies and David Salom to world Superbike -- which has been partially offset by the return of two-time world champion Kenan Sofuoglu after a year in Moto2.

“I think for sure with (Chaz) Davies gone and Yamaha, there are two less threats, but this year there are more competitive Hondas as well as a lot of up and coming talents that will be fast on occasions,” said Parkes. “And I think Sofuoglu will be one of the biggest threats, as well as injecting a lot of excitement into the Supersport field.”

Parkes, who has finished second in the world Supersport title twice, came out swinging at the start of 2011 on his factory Kawasaki before a flurry of crashes saw his campaign hopes diminish in a short period of time.

“That was a disappointing way to end 2011, but every year you learn something that you can take with you into the next year,” said Parkes. “And that will be my motivation heading into 2012, and I’m confident of being very competitive – and I’d love to crack it for my first win at Phillip Island.”

That was nearly realised last year when he finished just 0.009 seconds behind Italian Luca Scassa in a classic Phillip Island drag to the finish line. Parkes also finished third at Phillip Island in 2006 and 2007.

In his eight-year, 82-race world Supersport career, the Andorran-based Parkes has finished on the podium 29 times for six wins, 11 seconds and 12 thirds. He’s also started from pole position 14 times.

The opening round of the 2012 world Superbike season will be held from February 24-26 at Phillip Island. Fancy a weekend at the World superbikes? It’s super easy to book. Visit www.worldsbk.com.au or ring the SBK toll free hotline on 1300 728 007.