Unable to find a competitive ride in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Australian Garry McCoy will switch to the World Superbike Championship next year.

Five-time GP winner McCoy will ride a Ducati for a privateer team run alongside the Italian manufacturer's factory team.

McCoy finished 19th in the MotoGP world championship the past two seasons on uncompetitive Yamaha and Kawasaki bikes after winning three 500cc GPs in 2000.

Three other Australians will race in the world superbike series in 2004 - former champion Troy Corser, Steve Martin and young world supersport champion Chris Vermeulen.

Andrew Pitt, McCoy's GP teammate in 2003, is also believed to be chasing a superbike ride after being dumped by Kawasaki.

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