Harrison and Mar-Train part ways for 2016

Dean Harrison has parted ways with the Mar-Train Yamaha for the 2016 season, after a disappointing year for the Yorkshire man as the team developed the new R1 machine.

It’s understood that Harrison was unhappy with the level of official Yamaha factory support given to the Mar-Train team after what was promised to him at the beginning of the year, a complaint that has been also voiced by other teams running the bike.

But he was keen to stress that there’s been no falling out with Tim Martin or the team, something echoed by team boss Martin.

“Dean has been instrumental in getting the new R1M to where it is now and has been a pleasure to work with over the past two years. He is a talented young rider and needs to follow his own aspirations. I wish him all the best and would have no hesitation in working with him again in the future.

“Hopefully we will be in a position to confirm our 2016 plans in the next week but our commitment to Yamaha UK and the YZF-R1M project remains intact, we made a lot of progress throughout 2015 and are looking forward to reaping the benefits with a successful 2016.”

While It’s believed that Gary Johnston is currently a front-runner to take over from Harrison, after joining the team at the eleventh hour this year to ride their supersport machinery, Harrison’s plans remain less well known.

Originally speculated to return to the RC Express squad he took to a maiden TT win in 2014, Ivan Lintin now looks set to remain with them instead.