Yamaha to withdraw from World Superbikes at the end of 2011

The announcement was made following what was described as "a full strategic review of the Marketing Operations within Europe including all Motorsport activities and takes into account the continuing severe and rapidly changing Powered Two Wheeler market conditions throughout the region."

The release continued, "Due to this decision more resource and focus will now be used for direct 'Customer' activities to ultimately add more value to Yamaha ownership and increased Customer Satisfaction."

YME went on to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the total commitment, support, and passion shown by the extremely professional and dedicated riders and team members both past and present throughout the many years of participation in the FIM Superbike World Championship.

YMEsaid they timed the announcement to ensure that all existing obligations are correctly met, and to not limit any opportunities or future planning for all personnel involved.

At the time of the announcement, YME team riders Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty were 3rd and 4th in the overall 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship standings withfour rounds to go. Melandri has been partiularly successful, scoring a podium in the season opener at Phillip Island, winning three races and scoringseven other podums. Laverty's best result in 2011 has been a pair of race wins in round 4 at Monza. Yamaha last won the World Superbike title in 2009.

The announcement made no mention of Yamaha's World Supersport efforts. YME only returned to World Supersport this year after sitting out the 2010 season. Chaz Davies currently leads the series with the Yamaha ParkinGO Team, so the Supersport squad is safe - presumably- for the 2012 season at least.