Former Swan Yamaha crew chief Mick Shanley has confirmed he will become James Ellison's right-hand man in the Paul Bird Aprilia CRT MotoGP team for 2012.
The professional northerner leaves the Guisborough-based British Superbike team after seven years but has not cut all ties with Shaun Muir's team and will stay on to run the SMR Performance Centre.
"I have had many good years with the team but I feel that it is time for me to move on to new challenges in racing. It will be a little strange not working with the team that I have helped set up since its very beginning and I wish the team good luck in the future," said Shanley.
"I will however have a continuing relationship with Shaun and SMR through the running and organisation of the Performance Centre. I am looking forward to this new project and the challenges that it will bring. I’m sure the paddock has changed since I was there last but I can’t wait to return."
