Mick Shanley, crew chief for 2011
BSB champion Tommy Hill at Swan Yamaha, has announced that he is to move to
MotoGP and work alongside
James Ellison at the Paul Bird Motorsport team.
PBM is one of a number of teams using the new-for-2012 CRT rules to enter the premier-class and has signed-up former WCM and Tech 3
MotoGP rider Ellison.
“Hi all, just want to confirm I am leaving Swan Yamaha to be chief tech for @racingellison in
MotoGP this year! Can't wait to get going!” Shanley wrote on his Twitter account @mickshanleysmr.
PBM will use Aprilia-based CRT machinery this season, but Shanley said they may not be present at the first official 2012 test at Sepang on January 31st. “I don't think so. Aprilia are finalising a few details. So it would be a bit early for us,” he wrote.
Shanley previously worked with Ellison when the Englishman rode for the Swan Honda
BSB team during 2010.
Hill, who narrowly beat former
MotoGP rider
John Hopkins to claim the 2011
BSB crown, is remaining with Swan Yamaha for 2012.