MSS Bathams Kawasaki have sacked Peter Hickman after he defied team boss Nick Morgan and rode as a stand-in for John Hopkins in the Fixi Suzki team at Donington Park's World Supebrike round at the weekend.

Despite finishing the second race in an astounding ninth place, Hickman was seen to have gone against the wishes of both Morgan and Kawasaki UK, so has been released from the team.

“I have always believed that an agreement – whether in written form or even a handshake between two parties – is binding and, in my opinion, implies a high degree of mutual respect. In breaking this, we regard our agreement as void," said Morgan.

"We will now actively look for a replacement rider to compete alongside Michael Rutter to continue to give the Ninja ZX-10R good results and exposure. As a team we wish Peter every success for the future.”