BSB: Buchan and MotoRapido Ducati part ways

Danny Buchan and the Lloyds British MotoRapido squad have agreed to part ways after a difficult first half to the 2016 MCE British Superbike season.

The move comes just a day after the Bennetts Suzuki team announced that Ryuichi Kiyonari would leave the set-up after a similarly disappointing start to the year.

Both Buchan and the MotoRapido squad are proven podium contenders based on their form in previous years, but the pairing has failed to click this season leading to an amicable decision to part ways ahead of the eigth round of the championship.

Buchan has scored just 32 points this year with only two top ten finishes to his name from the 14 races so far.

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It’s not yet known when the MotoRapido team will be back on the grid, but Buchan is expected to be back next time out at Cadwell Park.

Tough times call for hard decisions and after speaking to Danny in detail we both feel the best route for us both is to follow a different path.  Together we all have genuinely put in more effort and dedication than most people would understand and we have pushed as hard as possible, but with the results just not coming it’s a decision we have reached mutually. 

“I can’t fault the professional nature of Danny or the application of his clear talent, but he simply hasn’t gelled with the bike as both he and the team expected. Pre-season testing was excellent but the season hasn’t shown the potential of Danny, the team or the Ducati – all of which are individually capable of winning races and championships.

“The recipe was made of great ingredients that simply didn’t work together.  Danny and his family have shown no lack of dedication and are a pleasure to work with and we all wish him the best for the future.  At this time of year he has to consider what is best for him and we have to consider what is best for the team looking to 2017 and beyond.  I am sure he will be a champion again like he was in 2014.

“We will now look for other options to complete the 2016 season and I would like to thank Lloyds British and our other key sponsors for their continued support.”

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