Hydrex Bike Animal and James Ellison have parted ways following the completion of the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike season, it has been confirmed.

Ellison came to the privateer Honda team this season following stints in MotoGP and AMA, the 28-year-old going on to revive his reputation with a series of strong performances.

Although a victory would elude him, Ellison still brought four podiums to Shaun Muir's team, the last of which occurring today at Brands Hatch. Those results helped propel Ellison and the team to seventh in the overall standings.

Nonetheless, Ellison will venture on to pastures new in 2009 and while he hasn't confirmed who is riding with, he has been strongly linked with a move to either GSE Yamaha or HM Plant Honda. Even so, Ellison admits he is sad to be leaving 'a family'.

"It's been a fantastic year and it's been a lot more than I expected from the team, they've been like a family and it's a bit emotional leaving this weekend.

“They have taken me from the brink of extinction and put me back on the map again and I really wanted to get a couple of wins for them. I'd like to thank Shaun and the whole team for a mega job in looking after me and wish them well in the future."

Muir, meanwhile, has paid tribute to Ellison for bringing 'professionalism' to the team in the short time he has raced with them.

"We'd like to thank James for his efforts this year, it's been a pleasure working with him. He's brought a great deal of professionalism into the team. We struggled with the new bike set-up and suspension but James buckled down and got on with the job.

“He's come from a MotoGP and AMA background and he's brought that professionalism with him and it's been a real pleasure. Both myself, the team and sponsors wish him all the best in the future. He will remain a great part of our development and we'll look forward to battling against him next year!"