A product of the 250GP class, Hofmann faces a steep learning curve at Lausitz this weekend. The 22-year-old German rider has never before competed on a four-stroke machine, never mind a factory Superbike and, although he's looking forward to the challenge of racing against some of the world's best riders at Lausitz, Hofmann remains realistic about his aims for the weekend ahead.

'I guess I only have two aims for this weekend; to have fun and to try not to crash,' declared the former German and European 250GP Champion. 'Lausitz will give me an opportunity to get used to everything, see how things work and basically say hello to the people in World Superbike; I think that's enough for the beginning.'

'Coming from a two-stroke background I expect the engine braking you get with a Superbike will feel a little strange at first, as will the way you have to be prepared to slide the bike more than you would with a two-stroke machine. The four-strokes are now starting to dominate racing, especially in the MotoGP series, so riding the Fuchs Kawasaki ZX-7RR will definitely stand me in good stead for the future,' continued Hofmann.

Fuchs Kawasaki Team Manager, Harald Eckl: 'There are very few experienced riders around at this stage of the season, so finding a temporary replacement for Izutsu was never going to be an easy task. However, I'm a firm believer in developing new talent and, as we're a German team competing in a World Superbike round in Germany, I thought it only right that we gave a young German rider the chance to experience racing in the World Superbike Championship at first hand.'

'Although Alex missed out on a full-time ride this season, I've followed his career closely in the past and have always been impressed by both his skill and determination; two qualities that will prove essential as he jumps on a Superbike for the first time this weekend,' continued Eckl.

While Alex Hofmann prepares to make his World Superbike debut at Lausitz, Fuchs Kawasaki's regular Superbike pilot, Hitoyasu Izutsu, is currently undergoing an intense course of physiotherapy on his injured wrist; sustained in a qualifying crash at Sugo earlier this year.

Izutsu will test in Japan, before making a decision as to whether his injured wrist has healed sufficiently to allow him to make his return to the World Superbike Championship at Misano on 23 June.

Profile: Alex Hofmann #66

Born in Mindelheim, Germany, Alex Hofmann began his racing career in motocross, winning the German Junior 80cc MX Championship two years in succession. Alex soon transferred his talents to road racing and, under the supervision of Dieter Theis, was crowned European 250GP Champion in 1998 - a title which brought him instant recognition as Germany's brightest racing talent. Alex competed in the World 250GP series from 1999 to 2001, with a seventh place finish his best result.