I can see why he'd do this, but from a team managers side of it, the riders in view get the deals don't the!

Hate to see any of the top riders lay off, but sometimes they need it for peace of mind....would love to see Shaun Muir put a team in WSB and put Hill and Ellison on the bikes....would be a good team I would think

Tommy has fallen out with MSVR who pay his wages.

Shocked!javascript:insertTextCursor('comment',%20'')
BSB will be all the poorer for his loss on the grid in 2013 whether your a fan of him or not. Just shows the level of commitment some of these guys are giving outside of the sport itself to compete at this level and the effects it has on their family, friends and personal life. Just like to say that I wish him the very best of sabbaticals and look forward to seeing him back in 2014. Failing that there is a rather neat ride at WSB Aprilia that would fit the bill for next year Tommy! (Aprilia are you listening?)javascript:insertTextCursor('comment',%20'')

very gutted for Tommy, mainly because IF the real reasons are money and sponsors we have let a top class rider go away. and no doubt he's really a top class rider, as the overtake at dingle dell 2011 to a certain john hopkins showed.

To be honest I'm not that surprised. He didn't want to carry on in BSB. He wanted to move to the world stage. Ma Biaggi has retired and the Aprillia seat is currently empty so who knows?

With the lottery of the showdown system maybe Tommy feels like you do not get back the result you deserve over a season. Its not fair do not want to play any more. Understandable!!!

Hope its not true but i would guess this means shaky has,decided on crt. Think hill ws waiting on shakys decision. Taking a year out wont get him q good ride in 2014.

a world class rider who should be in the world championships.He has served his time in BSB and achieved things that some british riders in WSB have not, ie won a BSB title and could have won more than 1 with a bit of luck.
hope this is not true and we will see him race again.If he has a year out i cant see him coming back which would be a sad loss to motorcycle wsport

Its a shame but with his dismal showing in the showdown he lost in my eyes his hunger. WSBK is not as easy as everyone seems to think, look at some "guests" this year AOYAMA is going back to Moto GP okay not going to set the world alight but he couldnt get on with the CBR, Hopkins for awesome in BSB appreciate his injuries again another ex Moto gp rider albeit the bike was crap at the start but again didn't show anything. Shakey as been in all classes and has a massive depth of experience but plies his trade in BSB why? probably because its a small pond and he can be a big fish, Josh Brookes guested for one appearance again where did he come? Tommy obviously has skill but WSBK level i am not so sure, This whole affair smacks of MSv politics and the way BSB is run. I hope Tommy comes back, wish him well with the birth of his first child and hope the hunger comes back