British Superbikes: Stobart Honda moves to World Superbikes for 2008

In one of the biggest shocks of 2007 Stobart Honda boss Paul Bird has announced he is moving his team to the World Superbike Championship for 2008.

Paul Bird has lost both his 2007 riders, Shane Byrne and Tom Sykes to Airwaves Ducati and Rizla Suzuki this week which prompted tough action for the future.

Paul Bird said: “I’ve always said that at some point in time, I’d like to do the World Championship and in the situation we have found ourselves in, now is the ideal opportunity.

“I have a duty to my team to provide them with the very best riders to work with and it is just what we need. We have all felt like a pair of discarded Y Fronts over the past few days but it just goes to prove that a team like mine can bounce back and we are all very excited by the prospect.

The double British Superbike winning team owner will remain with his current backers for the next season with help from the HRC factory.

Paul Bird added: “I’m sad to be leaving BSB as we’ve had some great times there and I wish Tom and Shakey all the best on their season with their respective teams in the UK.”

Paul Bird will officially announce his rider line-up for 2008 soon with the rumour mill suggesting the out of ride Gregorio Lavilla as a likely candidate to join the team in World Superbikes.

Read next week’s MCN, available from Wednesday, November 14, 2007, for more reaction from Paul bird on his shock move to World Superbikes.