Brands Hatch British Superbikes: Two-man team for 2009 not out of question for Lloyds British Yamaha

Lloyds British Jentin Yamaha Team Manager Bernie Toleman has said a two-man outfit is not totally out of the question for 2009.

The team confirmed to MCN that they would be running the new 2009-spec big-bang Yamaha R1’s next season, but it’s unsure whether it will be with one or two riders.

Toleman told MCN: “We have and are still looking at a two-man team.

“But in the past we’ve had a lot of success with a single-focussed team.

“Financially, absolutely everything doubles with a second rider, so that needs to be taken into consideration.

“We have a good relationship with Yamaha – we’re ending the season as the top Yamaha team in the paddock and we’re delighted with that.”

Another uncertainty for the team is the riding personnel for 2009.

With current rider Simon Andrews reportedly talking to a number of teams in the BSB paddock, Toleman said the team will be looking to continue the same form they’ve had in recent years of bringing on young riders.

“We’ve had a lot of success bringing young riders on – two main successes with James Ellison and now with Simon Andrews.

“We’ve helped Ellison to get to MotoGP and we’ve brought on Simon – if needs be we will find another strong youngster and hope they can raise the profile of the team, too.”