Virgin and Haydon part company

Virgin Yamaha have announced they have parted company with James Haydon.

Haydon was alleged to have injured his shoulder, which is why he missed the past two BSB rounds.

But he had struggled to adapt to the Pirelli tyres since joining the team this year and only scored one point in his first six races on the machine.

The official Yamaha press release stated: “Virgin Yamaha and James Haydon are to part company after a mutual and amicable decision was reached between Team Principal Rob McElnea and James Haydon.

“James has missed the last two rounds of the 2007 Bennetts British Superbike Championship due to a training injury. Although now fit to ride again both Rob and James have decided that he will not be resuming his ride with the team.

“The relationship between James and Virgin Yamaha Racing stretches back to 2001. Since then, James has had three spells with the team recording over 15 podium finishes, culminating in an impressive race win at Knockhill in 2004.”

Rob McElnea added: “It is a great shame things did not work for James with us, his commitment has never been in question and we wish him well with his future plans”

Haydon said: “It is always difficult in a situation like this but parting company is the best thing for both of us. I am sure of that.

“I had lost confidence in the package and was not happy and that showed in my riding. I wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.”