By Mike Nicks
Darrell Healey, the team owner whose decision will ricochet through the BSB paddock in 2008, today gave his verdict on the future of his GSE Racing Ducati squad exclusively to
Crash.net.
And the sad news is that GSE will
not compete in BSB unless the organisers allow the new 1098 Ducati to run non-standard pistons next year. The team will also
not switch to World Superbikes in 2008 because they cannot find sponsors who want European exposure.
"To lose a top team from the championship will be hugely disappointing for everyone - the organisers, the crowds, everyone," Healey said as he stood outside the Airwaves Ducati hospitality unit where guests were lunching and enjoying the
Brands Hatch sunshine.
He continued: "The sticking point is that BSB requires a standard piston and Ducati require a dispensation. It isn't a performance-enhancing part, but more of a safety aspect."
But BSB race director Stuart Higgs told the crowds at Brands Hatch: "It's like saying I want to play, but I have a 12-man team, not an 11-man team."
GSE's absence will affect not only the careers of their current riders Gregorio Lavilla and Leon Haslam, it will also cascade through the grid and influence the plans of major teams and riders including:
• HM Plant Honda: they must replace reigning BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and his team-mate Jonathan Rea, who will ride for Ten Kate Honda in World Superbikes and World Supersport respectively;
• Rizla Suzuki: they want to retain the promising 21-year-old Cal Crutchlow, but he is also on the shopping list of other teams;
• Rizla Suzuki themselves have a shortlist of four other riders – Lavilla and Haslam, plus Leon Camier, 21, and Tom Sykes, 22;
• Stobart Honda, whose owner Paul Bird will chase Crutchlow if Suzuki tempt Sykes;
• Virgin Yamaha, who will need a replacement if Tommy Hill wins promotion to World Supersport or World Superbike;
• Chris Walker, who is leaving Rizla Suzuki and seeking a seat elsewhere.
GSE have won three BSB titles and helped the career of World Superbike champions Neil Hodgson and
James Toseland. Unless Ducati's clash with the BSB is resolved at the last minute, the series will lose the most charismatic brand in motorcycle racing.
