UPDATE: Kirkham has been confirmed with the team this afternoon. He said: " This opportunity has come at a great time for me, the bike is getting sorted and I will get a chance to run alongside Chris Walker and Graeme Gowland, I have not stopped smiling since we agreed with Rob and I can't wait to get on my new bike at the weekend."

Team boss Rob McElnea added" "It was a shame that we did not continue with Michael but the opportunity for us to sign John as a replacement has worked out great. John will give this chance his best shot and we should get to see his potential, we are making big steps with the new bike and hopefully he will benefit from the work all the team have put in so far this season.

"Friday morning at Snetterton will be John's first ride on his new bike, it will be a sharp learning curve for him but with we are confident of a strong result and a good showing for the North West Coca Cola Yamaha team." 

ORIGINAL: Rumours currently doing the rounds state that John Kirkham has split with the Jentin Yamaha team and will take up the seat at Rob Mac Racing vacated by Michael Rutter.

Although nothing has yet been made official, sources close to the team say that Kirkham will ride the Northwest 200 Yamaha for the rest of the season.