Australia’s 31 year streak of representation in motorcycle racing’s premier class will continue next year with Broc Parkes confirmed to ride for Paul Bird Motorsport.

The 31-year-old Parkes has spent the last decade on World Supersport and Superbike machinery, highlighted by second place season results in the former class in 2004 and 2007.

A Hunter Valley, New South Wales, native, Parkes has been confirmed at the PBM outfit alongside Eugene Laverty.

The team says it will campaign ‘PBM Aprilias’, leaving it unclear whether it will run an Aprilia engine in its own chassis or a full package from the Italian manufacturer.

Aprilia recently confirmed its intentions to increase its MotoGP involvement with a view to a full program in 2016.

“Firstly, I’d like to say a massive thanks to Paul Bird for the opportunity to work with his team once again; I’m really looking forward to it,” said Parkes.

“This is the premier class and it’s every rider’s dream to race in MotoGP.

“I know this is going to be a tough season but I’m certainly up for the challenge, I can’t wait to get started.”

Parkes effectively replaces compatriot Damian Cudlin, who filled in for PBM during the final two races of 2013.

His MotoGP debut coincides with the exit of Australia’s previous representative, Bryan Staring, who has been replaced at Gresini by Scott Redding.

The PBM announcement leaves just one unconfirmed seat on the MotoGP grid at IODA Racing.

See below for the 2014 MotoGP entry list