The Smith’s Racing BMW team has tonight revealed it has parted company with rider James Ellison.

The news comes after the Cumbrian took a 16th in today’s opening race followed by 11th in the second, as team-mate Peter Hickman bagged a fifth and a third.

Tonight, a statement from team co-ordinator Darren Jones said:

“James was on an identical bike to Pete this weekend but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get the results neither he nor we had hoped for.

“As a result, we have had a chat and decided that we will go our separate ways, so would like to thank James for his efforts this season and we wish him well in the future.”