Ian Hutchinson exits FFX Yamaha

Record-breaking Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson has announced he has exited the FFX Yamaha team he competes with in the MCE British Superbike Championship.

One of the world's most successful road racers, Hutchinson returned to the BSB ranks for the first time in seven years with SMR-supported FFX Yamaha team as part of a deal that would see him tackle the TT and North West 200 with the sister Milwaukee Yamaha outfit.

However, Hutchinson - who suffered serious leg injuries in an accident in 2010 that necessitated a lengthy recovery period - has endured a tough BSB season thus far, troubling the points on just three occasions with a best finish of 12th place.

Hutchinson has now taken to Twitter to say his 'ride has come to an end', though it isn't clear whether he will remain part of the SMR set-up in some form going forward.

Though the newly-created FFX Yamaha team, which is headed up by Gary Ekerold, has endured a tough BSB baptism of fire, it is dominating the Superstock 600 class with Andy Reid. The youngster was recently confirmed as signing a contract with SMR that for the next two seasons, though it wasn't specified as to which series he would be racing.