Guy Martin talks sticking with Hydrex over Rob Mac

Road racing specialist Guy Martin has spoken openly about his decision to stay with Hydrex Honda for 2009 instead of going to Rob McElnea’s Yamaha team as he said he was going to back in September.

Martin revealed on his own website back in September that he would be signing for the Yamaha team in 2009 to spearhead Rob Mac’s road racing assault for the year.

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But Hydrex Team Owner Shaun Muir pushed to keep hold of his ace road representative and has kept him within his grasps for the upcoming campaign and will kick-off the 2009 season with some pre-season testing at Guadix and Almeria at the end of February.

Martin said: “I said all along that I didn’t want to leave Shaun as he’s far and away the best person I’ve ever worked with and I have so much respect for him but I just felt that certain factors needed to change.

“I was possibly a bit hasty when I said I was going to leave the team but Shaun never wanted me to go and he’s done everything to give me the set-up I wanted.

“I told him exactly what I wanted for 2009 and he has given me just that so there can be no excuses now!”
 
“I’ve got the bikes, mechanics and race schedule that will suit me down to the ground and whilst it’s a shame to leave BSB, I don’t think it’s the be all and end all that everyone thinks it is and I firmly believe that the meetings I’ll take in during 2009 will be more beneficial for me.

“Everything is geared towards the TT and the planning starts now so that’s why I’ve decided to plan the year accordingly and pick the meetings that I want to do and ones that will keep the smile on my face. As well as the International road races, I’m looking at contesting two Scarborough meetings and selected Irish National road races, namely Skerries, Kells and Mid Antrim whilst the Southern 100 was at the top of the ‘to do’ list.

“This is exactly the deal I was looking for and Shaun has given me everything so now it’s time to deliver the goods and nail that first TT win.”