ePayMe Yamaha and Easton part company

The ePayMe Yamaha team and Stuart Easton have mutually agreed to part company ahead of the next round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch (August 5/6/7).

Easton has scored a best result of ninth place after a challenging first half of the season but remains determined to return to the Superbike class.

The ePayMe Yamaha team will make an announcement on a replacement rider in due course ahead of the next two races of the season at Brands Hatch.

Easton said: “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.

“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.”

Team Owner Tommy Hill commented: “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.”