As has been rumoured for some weeks, the reason for the split is money related. Alstare's title sponsor Corona Extra is withdrawing from motorsport and Francis Batta's team says it is unable to find the finance required to re-sign the triple 2007 race winner.
"With reference to the current situation Team Alstare is facing regarding sponsorship, it is with regret and sadness that the team announces that it will not be renewing its contract with
Max Biaggi for 2008," said a team statement.
"Suzuki and Team Alstare would like to thank
Max Biaggi for his great performances and results achieved during the 2007 season, and also for his technical contribution.
"Suzuki and Team Alstare would like to wish
Max Biaggi all the best for the future."
With the only remaining factory ride in
WSBK at the Kawasaki PSG-1 team, which took just one podium this season, Biaggi's 2008 Superbike options appear limited.
The Roman, a former four times 250cc world champion and 13 times 500cc/
MotoGP race winner, continues to be linked with a return to grand prix racing - but the factory GP seats are already settled, with only d'Antin, JiR, Gresini and Team Roberts yet to confirm their line-ups for next season.
The 36-year-old's best option - should he choose to continue racing - might therefore be to try and persuade one of the factory teams, in
WSBK or
MotoGP, to run a third machine for him.
Max joined Alstare after sitting out the entire 2006 season, following his
MotoGP fallout with Honda, but bounced back in perfect style by winning on his SBK debut at Qatar. Biaggi finished a highly impressive year with 17 podiums from 25 races and was a title contender heading into the final round.
