Klaffi Honda out of WSB

The Austrian Klaffi Honda team that ran Alex Barros in 2006 has quit WSB due to a lack of budget. Team Boss Klaus Klaffenbock, a former Sidecar World Champion, has made his mark on the series during his last two years in WSB.

In his first year of running a Superbike team he ran a two man team of Frankie Chilli and German young gun Max Neukirchner.

In 2006 he put a late deal together to secure the talents of multiple GP winner Alex Barros.

The Brazilian gave the Klaffi Honda team their first ever victory at Imola, but when Barros quit the series to return to MotoGP, Klaffi lost out on the option of a big title sponsor.

Klaffi is now looking to make his return to WSB in 2008, but is continuing his racing activities during 2007 with an entry at the Isle of Man TT in the Supersport, Superstock and Superbike class. Klaffi himself will race once again in the sidecar race.

Klaffi said: “We scored one victory, five podiums and finished sixth overall this year but it was still not possible to secure the necessary budget for 2007.

“We will not disappear from the motor sport scene at all. I am open for all future options and a possible return to SBK in 2008.

“Now our main project is the Isle of man TT where we will be serious contenders for the victory in the major solo-categories. My personal goal there is the sidecar-victory.”