Winston withdraws from motorsport.

Cigarette manufacturer Winston has officially confirmed that it will withdraw from international motorsport sponsorship with immediate effect - thus ending its two-year association with the Ten Kate Honda World Superbike and Supersport teams.

"The presence of Winston on the Hondas of Team Ten Kate in the World Superbike and Supersport championships has been an undeniable success: two Supersport world titles (2005/06), with French ace Sebastien Charpentier, and two Superbike titles with world vice-champions Chris Vermeulen in 2005 and James Toseland this year," read a statement.

"Winston is leaving international motorsport and its sponsorship of the World Superbike and Supersport championships in the full knowledge that the brand has gained huge benefits from its partnership with Honda and Team Ten Kate. It will leave an indelible mark on the history of Winston in the world of motorsport.

"Our special and heartfelt thanks for the past two years go to Honda Europe, Team Ten Kate, and to all the riders who have flown our colours and all the fans who have accompanied us."

The identity of Ten Kate Honda's new title sponsor is currently unknown, but with Toseland's team-mate also still to be announced the two could be linked. Italian Roberto Rolfo will test with Ten Kate at Valencia this week, increasing speculation that he will be handed the ride for next season, and might be able to bring a new title sponsor with him.

Meanwhile, Winston's withdraw from international motorsport casts further doubt on the likelihood of Camel - which, like Winston, is owned by JT International - remaining with the factory Yamaha MotoGP team in 2007.