As revealed on the Manning River Times website last Friday, Hook, 22, from Taree, has picked up three rides for the Swiss moto2 team in the series, replacing the injured Dominique Aegerter. Hook has his first start in Japan. He's currently based there, riding in the Japanese Superbike Championship.

Now he'll race at Phillip Island this weekend before heading for the Malaysian round the following weekend.

Hook concedes he didn't enjoy the most successful of debuts.

"I crashed out and that was pretty disappointing,'' he said this week from Tokyo just before leaving for Australia.

However, he added that he clocked a fast time in qualifying.

"The team was happy with that,'' he added so that was good.

He's thankful of the opportunity to race in the world championship.

"This has really opened a few doors for me,'' he said.

"I rode with Dominique in the Suzuka 8 Hour and he put my name forward to replace him after he was injured. He said if anyone was going to take his place it was going to be me.''

Now he's ready for Phillip Island.

"I know Phillip Island like the back of my hand - I've ridden about a million laps there,'' he said.

He's now spent a bit of time on the bike, admitting that adjusting to the new machine with limited time to prepare last weekend was 'difficult' for what he described as the most competitive championship in the world.

His aim for this weekend is to finish in the points - within the top 16. However, Hook believes a top 10 placing is not an impossible dream.

Whatever happens he won't get much time to dissect his performance.

"We're on the plane to Malaysia on Monday - I've got a busy schedule at the moment,'' he said.

Hook will fly into Melbourne today.

He's currently running fourth in the Japanese Superbike Championship however, he'll miss a round this weekend, making his chances of claiming the title difficult. He's thankful of team management for giving him the opportunity to race in the MotoGP 2.

"They've been really supportive, I can't thank them enough,'' he said.

Hook now hopes to secure a start in the world championship for next year although it won't be with the Swiss team.

"Their riders are already locked in for next year,'' he explained.

"But my name's out there now and this is a great opportunity for me. It's up to me to make the most of it.''

Providing it doesn't clash with other commitments, Hook hopes to give his local fans the opportunity to see him race at home next January when he contests the Troy Bayliss Classic.

mick.mcdonald@fairfaxmedia.com.au