PBM is to push ahead with its plans for an expanded two-rider 2013
MotoGP line-up, and the debut of its own machine, despite Shane Byrne's decision to stay in the British Superbike Championship.
After clinching his latest title for PBM's Kawasaki
BSB team, Paul Bird handed Byrne the chance of a
MotoGP return next season.
However Shakey - who was present at last week's rain-interrupted Valencia
MotoGP test, but didn't leave the pits - has now decided to stay with PBM in BSB, in pursuit of a record fourth crown.
"I was in the enviable position of being offered a ride in either
MotoGP or
BSB by Paul Bird and after some careful consideration; I thought that the option of staying with my championship winning team on a great bike in
BSB was too strong a temptation to resist,” explained Byrne, who rode partial
MotoGP seasons for Aprilia and Team Roberts in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
With PBM's 2012
MotoGP rider
James Ellison not being retained the team needs two new signings, although former Avintia rider Yonny Hernandez has long been linked with one of the seats.
PBM will continue with one Aprilia CRT bike next year - as used by Ellison to take two ninth places and 16th in the world championship - with the second rider aboard a 'PBM machine' details of which 'will be announced shortly, as well as a testing programme'.
“We are also committed to
MotoGP and will be making an important announcement soon on our plans in that series and rest assured, I'll be even more focused on both my teams' successes than ever before,” declared team owner Paul Bird.
2012 was PBM's first year in grand prix, having previously run the factory Kawasaki
WSBK effort.