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Monday, 17th November 2003

It's been something of a bad weekend for World Superbikes, with confirmation that Ruben Xaus will be joining Neil Hodgson in leaving the series for MotoGP – and that the Japanese factories will not be returning to field factory teams in 2004.

"The MSMA is deeply saddened at having to make this announcement, but has been forced into the decision," continued the statement. "As motorcycle manufacturers, we have to take a resolute stand against technical rules that are likely to be detrimental to the interests of ordinary motorbike customers, and also against the idea of restricting tyres to a single make so that a tyre maker can become World Champion just by buying the title. We sincerely hope that all devotees of the Championship will appreciate why we have to take this approach."

The one brand Pirelli tyre rule also looks set to end the tradition of leading national SBK stars entering occasional WSBK events as wild-cards, since the majority of such riders are contracted to using Dunlop or Michelin rubber.

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