Richard Cooper has split with the Anvil TAG Kawsaki MCE British Superbike team after ‘discussions’ following the Thruxton round where mechanical problems put him out of both races.

At the previous Brands Hatch outing, Cooper stood twice on the podium alongside series leader Josh Brookes and Shane Byrne, and looked in good shape for more good results at the Hampshire circuit but he didn’t finish either race.

“We’d firstly like to take this time to thank Richard for all his hard work this season and in the past. He’s a model professional and works hard in everything that he does, and has given us some lasting memories. But we both feel its time to part ways. TAG Racing as a whole wishes Richard all the best in the future,” said team boss Rob Winfield.