Foggy to drop Haydon at end of year.

Foggy Petronas Racing have announced that they will not be renewing James Haydon's contract at the end of the season.

Haydon was signed at the beginning of 2002 to join Troy Corser in developing the all new FP1, but the 28-year-old was denied the chance of any track action that year, when the team's debut was delayed until 2003.

Since then, Haydon has struggled to find a balance between his riding style and the new bike at a succession of new circuits on the World Superbike calendar - suffering several confidence sapping crashes, not all his own fault, in the process.

"I genuinely feel sorry that this has not worked out for James," stated team owner Carl Fogarty. "I signed him because of his aggressive style and determined nature but, for whatever reason, this has not suited our bike. While Troy raves about the handling of the FP1, James has clearly struggled to find a set-up that works for him.
"Circumstances have been difficult, as he has been competing at a number of new circuits, which is never easy," he added. "And he has had bad luck at times, such as the two crashes at Laguna, neither of which were his fault. We all hope that he goes on to recreate the kind of form and results which attracted us to him in the first place.

"We will now start the search for a replacement to work alongside Troy, who has another year of his contract to run, in challenging for wins next year," concluded the Brit.

"It has been a difficult two seasons. To sit out and be a spectator to WSB in 2002 was probably the hardest job I have ever had to do," reflected Haydon. "To then attempt to find a set-up on the new bike on a race by race basis rather than through testing has not been ideal, but I feel Brands helped a lot. I look forward to my last three races and finishing the season on a high.

"I know the FP1 has the potential to be a winner and I wish Petronas and the team all the best for the future," he concluded.

Haydon has yet to announce his plans for next year, but his options are likely to include a return to the BSB series, or possibly another WSBK ride.