Biaggi denies Suzuki deal

Max Biaggi has denied recent reports that he has signed for the Alstare Corona Suzuki World Superbike squad, saying he was “shocked” at the reports.

The story first surfaced in Italian newspaper Gazetta de la Sport and was repeated across the media, but MCN knew the details were unconfirmed and now the four times 250GP champion has said it is not true.

“I’ve read, with a bit of irony, that I would have signed a contract for the 2006 season with Suzuki Corona, even two days ago… this thing shocked me!”

The paper claimed that Biaggi has signed for the Alstare team as its fourth rider and would be testing the bike this week with the team at Phillip Island, Australia. But Biaggi posted the rebuttal on his own website saying that he was still in the US enjoying his free time.

He also jokingly made reference to reports that he might switch to four wheels, saying: “I am having good fun driving my 100cc Go-Kart… could it be a sign? The bike is my great passion.”

MCN’s WSB reporter Michael Guy believes the deal with Alstare may still be on the table. Team owner Francis Batta and WSB bosses are reportedly keen to sign the Italian but Suzuki bosses in Japan are hesitant about running a fourth factory backed bike or moving an existing rider aside.

Biaggi admitted “Surely if a concrete proposal arrived, I would be happy to consider it.”

Click here to read Biaggi’s full statement.