Emmett looks to UK again as riders struggle for work

Sean Emmett has been approached to lead Honda’s British superbike effort.

Motopower, the top Honda team in this year’s BSB line-up, wants Emmett to ride its 180bhp 2002 FireBlade.

The 31-year-old, who finished third in last year’s series riding a Reve Ducati, has already tested the bike at Bruntingthorpe and been impressed.

He said: ” The engine’s got loads of power through the range and feels fast on top end, but it was in an old frame so I don’t know quite how the whole package will work once the team incorporate the engine development into the new 2002 bike.

” Riding for them is definitely an option, though I’m still looking at the HMC Ducati deal in the States. But time is starting to run out and I don’t want to delay too long in making my decision. I don’t want to be left sitting on the sidelines. ”

Motopower boss Russell Savory says that the new Blade is a vast improvement on the old SP1 and should put Honda back in the limelight.

Emmett isn’t the only top name searching for a ride. Three others who finished in the top 10 of BSB last season – Paul Brown, Jamie Robinson and Lee Jackson – plus other leading racers like former BSB race winner Matt Llewellyn are also without a job.

The downgrading of the supersport and superstock championships from British to National status, has led to a glut of top talent from the two main support classes all chasing superbike berths.

Llewellyn is thinking of running his own team because there are so few options left to him.