BSB: Easton parts ways with ePayMe Yamaha

Stuart Easton and the ePayMe Yamaha team have parted ways at the mid-way point of the 2016 MCE British Superbike season after a tough start to the year.

The Scotsman secured a best result of ninth place earlier this season but other than that he has struggled to gel with Yamaha’s R1, often finding himself well out of the top ten. 

After another disappointing weekend at Thruxton, in which a blow-up in the opening race led the former BSB race winner to crash on fluid from his own bike and miss the second race, Easton alongside team-boss Tommy Hill have come to a mutual agreement to split ahead of the second half of the year.

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“It is disappointing, but I just haven’t gelled with this bike and although we have had top ten finishes, the results have not been what both myself and the team were aiming for this season,” said Easton.

“Together as a team we have really given it a good go and it certainly hasn’t been through the lack of trying from my side and also from Tommy [Hill] and the whole team. We have worked to try and move forward, but we have agreed that this is the best situation. 

“I have had 29 podium finishes in BSB and four of those were wins, so I certainly don’t want to give up there as I definitely feel there is more in me and I want to prove that.”

Hill added: “We are sorry that it hasn’t worked out with Stuart and it has been a difficult decision, especially as we know how talented he is as a rider and what he can achieve. We have worked together for a long time in the championship and everyone knows that it is very tough this season, but it is gutting that it hasn’t worked out despite a huge push from both sides.

“We know the ePayMe Yamaha package is capable of fighting for podiums, we have seen that with John [Hopkins], so we are now working on plans for a replacement rider. We hope that we can make an announcement on that very soon ready for Brands Hatch and I am also working with Stuart to help him in his next move.” 

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