Gresini confirms Michelin, Fortuna exit.

Shortly after the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix, Fausto Gresini confirmed that neither tyre supplier Michelin, nor cigarette manufacturer Fortuna, will continue to support the satellite Honda team next season.

Fortuna Honda won four races during 2006, with Marco Melandri taking three victorious on his way to fourth in the championship while Toni Elias claimed his first ever MotoGP victory at the penultimate round in Portugal.

Both riders will remain with the team next season, which is now all but certain to switch to Bridgestone tyres - winners of four races this season with Ducati.

"After seven years of racing with Michelin it is difficult to break up but as so often happens in life and in racing, paths can go in separate ways in the search of a fresh challenge," stated Gresini. "At this Grand Prix Team Gresini have ended a long collaboration with Michelin, which goes back to our start. They have been seven years of great collaboration and satisfaction. I want to thank the factory and their staff for helping us achieve great victories and fighting for the championship. With the 2006 season now over we are looking forward to next year and the new 800cc bikes. We take on the challenge alongside Honda once again but with a new tyre supplier. In the chase for the title we want we have decided to try and new way of distinguishing ourselves from the other factory teams."

Meanwhile, Fortuna had replaced Movistar as the team's title sponsor for 2006: "I want to thank Fortuna for their support in such a great season. Together we have taken four victories and a total of seven podiums. My compliments go to all the staff at Fortuna who have enjoyed this season with us and given us the chance to fight at the very top level," he said.