Burns quits STP, eyes new ride

Chris Burns has announced he is chasing an alternative ride in the British Superbike Championship after deciding to leave the STP-JHS Racing team.

Burns had been due to start his second season with the STP team in 2009, riding an MV Agusta F4, but despite the decision to expand to a second bike and enlist developmental help from JHS, the team haven't begun testing yet.

Already forced to miss the opening round of the season at Brands Hatch, Burns admits he decided to leave the time having been unable to receive an assurance of when they would return to action.

"It's been a difficult start to 2009 for me," said Burns. "STP haven't been able to get a bike on the track, and it was hard missing Brands Hatch. I was down there and was gutted that I wasn't out racing. It's been a stressful couple of weeks, waiting to hear if we were going to be able to run, but I've now reached a decision that I can't hang about any longer.

"I'm desperately missing racing, and I know I've still got a lot to offer. Our results last season when we weren't plagued by mechanical troubles proved that I am more than capable of running at the front, and I'm totally committed to giving it 100 per cent if I can find a team who can offer a competitive package."

Offering himself up to race in Superstock or the Supersport classes, Burns admits he would dearly like to be back in the British Superbike paddock this year.

"Right now I just want to get on a bike which can be competitive and prove than I am capable of winning races," he said. "I would like to stay within the British Superbike paddock, but I am keen to speak to anybody who may have something to offer me.

"I would consider Supersport, Superstock or naturally something in one of the international or overseas paddocks, as long as it's a team with a bike which has the potential to win."