MotoGP’s musical chairs

The silly season is well and truly upon us. As contract time approaches, Yamaha and Suzuki both feature in the latest tranche of rumour and manoeuvre.

Norick Abe is said to be on the verge of quitting his Antena 3 squad and severing his long-time relationship with Yamaha. It comes on the back of news that rival Yamaha squad, Tech 3, with Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano, will get the M1 four-stroke for the last four rounds of the 2002 series – an opportunity denied Abe.

Abe who recently said he was ” surprised and disappointed ” is reported to be in talks with Kawasaki to ride its four-stroke in 2003.

Meanwhile, over in the Suzuki pit, Warren Willing, the engineer and crew chief behind Kenny Roberts Jnr.’s 2000 500cc world title, has been frozen out after he signed to aid KTM’s fledgling GP squad in 2003.

Willing has been told his services are no longer required and released from the remainder of his contract with Suzuki. KTM plans to run a 125 squad in 2003, before tackling the MotoGP class in 2004.

Max Biaggi has just signed a deal to ride with Pramac Honda. For more details, click on the link on the right.

We’ll bring you more news on who has signed, and the latest rumours, as we get it.