World Superbikes: Max Neukirchner ends MotoGP speculation and signs for Alstare Suzuki

Monza race winner Max Neukirchner has today confirmed that he has signed for the factory Alstare Suzuki team for 2009 and 2010.

The 25-year-old became the first German rider in history to win a World Superbike race last weekend after running at the front of this year’s championship from the opening round of the championship in Qatar.

The confirmation that Neukirchner will stay at Alstare Suzuki and in the World Superbike championship is a massive coup for both parties.

After last weekend’s brilliant results there was already speculation growing that he would be snapped up by a MotoGP team given his nationality and that MotoGP bosses Dorna are desperate to get a fast German in their championship.

The other rumour from the World Superbike paddock is that BMW were chasing Neukirchner to race their new Superbike in the class next season, which would have been risky move for the young German as he would have to spend time developing the new machine.

His decision to stay onboard the race winning Alstare Suzuki package illustrates his intention of becoming a big player in World Superbikes in the future.