Rizla officially out of BSB

Crescent Suzuki has released a statement this morning confirming the departure of title sponsor Rizla.

Rizla has become an iconic part of BSB, sponsoring the factory team for the last seven years.

But Crecent’s Managing Director and MotoGP team boss Paul Denning says the future is still bright for the Suzuki team in British Superbikes.

He said: “We thank all at Imperial Tobacco for Rizla’s support over the last seven years; we have enjoyed a very close, proactive relationship and achieved great success on and off the track.

“Rizla Suzuki’s British Superbike team will be remembered as one of the most colourful, successful and popular teams of the decade and that is in no small part due to Rizla’s enthusiasm as a sponsor.

“Crescent will continue with its BSB activities and we are grateful for the full backing and support of Suzuki.

“Obviously, there are pressures upon a team when it loses its main sponsor but we are actively discussing alternative opportunities.

“British Superbikes has been enriched by the Rizla Suzuki era and now we will move forward and write a new chapter – one we hope will be steeped in success, starting with new signing Sylvain Guintoli and the awesome 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000.”

Rizla also passed comment on their departure.

Alison Williams, Rizla Brand Manager said: “”After seven years we have made the difficult decision to end our sponsorship of the Suzuki BSB team.

“I would like to thank all the past and present team members and riders for such a successful sponsorship. We wish the team the very best for the future.”