Rizla Suzuki may be losing their number one rider Tom Sykes to World Superbikes next season but team boss Jack Valentine says it is business as usual for the rest of the season.

As exclusively revealed by www.bikesportnews.com on Wednesday, Sykes has signed a one-year deal with Santander Yamaha to replace Noriyuki Haga who is off to Xerox Ducati.

"We want to continue to develop a strong and professional team no matter who is riding for us," said Valentine.  "It is common knowledge about Tom but that won’t affect Rizla Suzuki and the team will continue from strength to strength.

When asked about the team's future, and a possible move to World Superbikes in 2009, Valentine said: "At the moment we are working with sponsors on budget and aren’t in a position to commit to World Superbikes but we are still talking to team partners for next year and a decision hasn’t been made."

On the subject of riders for next year, Valentine wouldn't be drawn but said: "It is the same list that anyone else would have plus a few wildcards thrown in!"