World Supersport: Fabien Foret ends Tommy Hill's hopes at Yamaha

Fabien Foret has signed a deal with the Yamaha World Supersport team for 2008 ending Tommy Hill’s dream of joining fellow Brits Jonathan Rea and Craig Jones in the series.

Tommy Hill was inline for the ride having impressed Yamaha bosses first time out when he claimed fifth at Brands Hatch last month.

The 22-year-old Brit will still get to ride the remaining rounds of this years championship in Germany this weekend and in Vallelunga and Magny Cours but won’t get the full time ride next season.

Thirty-four-year-old, Fabien Foret is a Supersport veteran having won the title in 2002 and currently lies second in this years championship standings.

Fabien Foret said: “This is a very good opportunity for me and it’s been a difficult decision to leave Kawasaki. I’m 34-years-old now and I want to win the title at least once more in my career.

“The level of the Yamaha is very high as is the technical staff and next year’s bike has some new things so I am very happy.”

MCN has learned Yamaha’s decision came down to two Frenchman Fabien Foret and double world champion and current Ten Kate Honda rider Sebastien Charpentier.

Speaking exclusively to MCN Yamaha team manager Terrell Thien said:
“It was a very tough decision between Fabien and Sebastian but we chose Fabien because of his pure ability to fight on track – which is what we need.
“He really wants to win races and the championship and doesn’t have any problem with not making friends on track.

“Sebastien would have been better for PR and advertising and making friends but we need a rider to make the final fight.

“It’s been a very difficult decision because our bike would have worked perfectly for Sebastien. However we have shown that by working closely with our suspension guys we can set up our bike for different riding styles so I am confident we will be able to give Fabien a very good package.”

Fabien Foret will join current rider Broc Parkes who will start his fourth consecutive season with the team. Parkes and Foret will also have the task of developing the all new 2008 Yamaha R6.