The 22-year-old from Montgomery, New York will line up alongside compatriot and WorldSBK rider Nicky Hayden in the Honda garage to ride a Honda CBR600RR prepared by Ten Kate Racing, with the goal of becoming the first American rider to clinch the ultimate prize in the series.

Last year, Jacobsen joined the Honda family from the seventh World Supersport round onwards and from then on rose to the status of championship contender by winning two races and finishing on the podium five times out of six rounds. He eventually ended the season in runner-up spot and added two pole positions and two fastest laps to his impressive racing CV.

“I feel really good going into the new season with Honda and I can’t wait to get started,” commented Jacobsen. "It’s great to have the opportunity to race with Honda and Ten Kate. The goals for the season are high; I finished second in the championship last year, so the only thing left is to get the number one spot. It’s not going to be easy as there are a lot of competitive riders out there this year, but the key will be to be riding at the front, race in, race out. I intend to take every round as it comes though, starting at Phillip Island of course. I would like to thank Ten Kate and Honda for this opportunity; we’ll do our best to make our fans proud!”

The opening round of the World Supersport season will take place at Phillip Island at the end of February and it will be preceded by a two-day official test on the same track.