Honda have withdrawn from the 2014 MCE British Superbike Championship after being unable to replace departing title sponsor Samsung and losing reigning champion Alex Lowes to the world stage.
The Louth-based team were left in limbo after Samsung's late decision to not renew their contract and all of the riders Honda perceived to be capable of winning the title in 2014 already snapped up.
It is not all bad news, though, as the squad will continue to develop the Fireblade next year and make some wildcard appearances. They plan to make a full return in 2015 but it is not known yet whether the team will field any riders in National Superstock 1000 or British Supersport.
A majority of the team’s technical staff will remain with Honda and transfer over to freshly revised Endurance World Championship race team, as Honda steps up efforts for further success on the world stage, in support of its racing projects in MotoGP, World Superbikes and on the roads at events such as the Isle of Man TT and North West 200.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly and it was not our preferred option but we feel that given the cumulative circumstances, it is the best course of action for us at this time. Honda goes racing to win," said Honda UK motorcycles chief Nick Campolucci.
"Unless we have the right elements in place to achieve the success on track we know we are capable of, our preferred option is to re-evaluate and re-structure for a stronger and more aligned effort. The British Superbikes series is very important to Honda UK and we plan a full return to the series in 2015.”
