World Superbikes: Max Biaggi and Alstare Suzuki part company

Max Biaggi’s racing career could be over after his current Alstare Suzuki team revealed that they won’t be resigning him for 2008.

Despite winning three races and finishing third in his debut World Superbike season, Max Biaggi’s contract won’t be renewed leaving the Italian without a ride and World Superbike without arguably its biggest star.

Max Biaggi was offered a contract at the start of September by Alstare Suzuki but turned it down and came back with his own proposal, which involved more money and greater technical guarantees.

With Alstare losing their long time Corona Extra sponsorship the team don’t have the budget to meet the 36-year-old’s big wage demands.

MCN also understands there have been ongoing problems between Max Biaggi and the team, which have made working conditions difficult. 

A statement from the team said: “With reference to the current situation Team Alstare is facing regarding sponsorship, it is with regret and sadness that the team announces that it will not renewing its contract with Max Biaggi for 2008.

“Suzuki and Team Alstare would like to thank Max Biaggi for his great performances and results achieved during the 2007 season, and also for his technical contribution.

“Suzuki and Team Alstare would like to wish Max Biaggi all the best for the future.”

Alstare are expected to announce their new title sponsor imminently with rumours in the paddock suggesting that it is a big Middle Eastern oil company.

With Max Biaggi out the equation it seems likely that Alstare will run three riders – Yukio Kagayama, Max Neukirchner and Fonsi Nieto.

As for Max Biaggi his options appear seriously limited with no full factory rides in either World Superbikes or MotoGP available.