Confirmed: Lavilla in, Haydon out.

The Airwaves Ducati team today confirmed that Gregorio Lavilla would replace team rider James Haydon for the remainder of the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike season.

James was injured in a preseason accident, sustaining considerable damage to his wrist. This unfortunately stopped him from riding in the first two rounds of the championship, therefore the Airwaves team called in the services of ex-factory Suzuki rider Gregorio Lavilla.

Lavilla then went on to be the second fastest man to the HM Plant Honda riders of Ryuichi Kiyonari and Michael Rutter in BSB, and currently sits in second spot in the riders championship.

It was this fact that Lavilla was so strong in the championship that led the Airwaves team to consider employing him full time to continue the title chase, where it would seem, at this stage of the season he is the only rider who can challenge Kiyonari and Rutter.

First hopes had been to run a three rider team, keeping James in his contract and giving him the much desired break he had been looking for in the past few years. Unfortunately the capability was not in place to run such a large team, therefore James and the GSE team had a very tough decision to make.

"This was a very difficult decision to make but, for the good of the team and Airwaves Ducati, I will stand down to allow Gregorio to continue to fly the flag for Airwaves Ducati. I wish the team all the best for the rest of the season," commented Haydon.

Team manager Colin Wright echoed Haydon's feelings on the matter; "The last couple of weeks have not been an easy time for all involved but the team are extremely grateful to James for standing down and allowing Gregorio to continue riding," commented team manager Colin Wright. "We appreciate that this was the hardest of decisions for him to make and are pleased to confirm that James will be with us at Mallory Park supporting the team. We are fully focused on continuing the excellent progress we've made in the first two rounds and are looking forward to the rest of the season."

The Airwaves team and BSB paddock are at Mallory Park this weekend for the third round of the championship.