Rizla may not be renewing their deal with the Crescent Suzuki team into next season, it has emerged.
The team has been sponsored by the renowned cigarette paper brand since 2002, creating one of the most recognised and distinctive teams in British Superbike history.
However, with the sponsorship deal up for renewal this year and recent changes occurring in the economic climate, a re-think by the company could lead to the decision not to extend their agreement with the Jack Valentine-led squad into 2009.
Nonetheless, Valentine has told
Crash.net that he is still waiting for an official word from Rizla about their final decision on 2009.
Coming on the weekend that Crescent revealed
Sylvain Guintoli will move from
MotoGP to BSB with the team next season, the decision could potentially jeopardise their hopes of fielding a second bike alongside him.
Nonetheless, the team remains confident that they will be on the grid with two bikes next season and have stressed they have deals in place to ensure a definite BSB presence in 2009.
Despite the possible move away from the domestic series, it isn't thought the deal has any bearing on that of the MotoGP team.
