BSB: Easton parts ways with MotoRapido Ducati

Stuart Easton has opted to sit out the remainder of the 2016 MCE British Superbike season after struggling to find improvements following a move to the Lloyds British MotoRapido Ducati team.

Easton moved to the Hampshire squad after a torrid start to the year with Tommy Hill’s ePayMe Yamaha team, but after three rounds the Scotsman has opted to part ways with Steve ‘Wilf’ Moore’s outfit in order to focus on the upcoming Macau Grand Prix – which he’ll ride alongside Michael Rutter on the SMT BMW.

“I really appreciate the chance and opportunity Steve gave me with the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati team in the last three races. I didn’t think it was fair to continue when the results weren’t coming. I can’t thank them enough for all the effort they put in and I’m sorry I couldn’t get the results they deserve.  I will be concentrating on Macau and 2017 now.” 

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Team boss, Steve Moore added: “Stuart has had a tricky year, much like ourselves, but after the Donington park round it was clear that something wasn’t right. Stuart is a former British Champion and race winner as recent as last season, a proven racer. His results haven’t been what we all expected. So, for his own reasons he now feels that it’s time to take some time away from the rider’s seat and sit the remainder of the BSB season out.

“Stuart’s fit with us was very good and has been very complimentary of our bike and team but unless every detail is right you cannot expect to compete at this level.  BSB Superbike is a punishing racing class, you only need to be a few percent off your best and you’re out of the points. Stuart was within two percent of the fastest guys every sector, every session, but that saw him outside the points several times. Which isn’t a fair reflection of him or the bike. 

“I thank Stuart for his effort and his up front honesty, his experience and professional feedback has helped us develop the bike further and he’ll remain a good friend of the team. We enjoyed having him with us and I really look forward to watching him lift trophies again soon.

“We don’t give up so I’ve spoken to several riders already, now we will use the remaining two rounds to develop our Panigale further and will announce a new rider soon ready for Assen and maybe even the same one for Brands Hatch too.”

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