Corona’s exit – what it means

Corona’s announcement that they will withdraw their backing of the Alstare Suzuki squad at the end of the year leaves the biggest team in the paddock without a title sponsor.

The factory Suzuki team have a big presence in WSB and are well known for paying big rider wages and their hospitality acts as a hub for the WSB paddock for riders through to mechanics.

Although the announcement ends 10 years of involvement in WSB it shouldn’t actually impact the team or the championship that much with Alstare Suzuki set to continue next season.

Alstare team owner Francis Batta is in the middle of negotiations with Suzuki Japan about equipment and technical support for 2008.

Batta is a highly resourceful entrepreneur and has a long history of bringing big money sponsors in to the world of racing.

Although there has been no announcement on next years sponsor the fact that he is speaking with Suzuki about 2008 would suggest that he has the money in place to run the team.

From a championship point of view Corona’s announcement brings their three years as title sponsor to the series to an end. In recent years Corona’s input has been vital and the consequences of them leaving the championship would have been severe. But now the series is far stronger and there are a number of other sponsors keen to take their place.

Ten Kate Honda’s title sponsor Hannspree already sponsor the series and are widely tipped to become the title sponsor at certain rounds, whilst British Insurance company Bennetts have announced that they will be sponsoring the series in 2008 and will be the title sponsor for the two British WSB rounds next season.