Mar-Train Yamaha have this afternoon announced they have split with Dean Harrison after he decided to ‘take up an alternative offer’.

Harrison gave the R1 its first ever road race victory, set the fastest ever Yamaha lap at the TT and lifted the Cock O’ The North and Gold Cup titles

“Dean has been instrumental in getting the new R1M to where it is now and has been a pleasure to work with over the past two years. He is a talented young rider and needs to follow his own aspirations, I wish him all the best and would have no hesitation in working with him again in the future,” said team boss Tim Martin.

“Hopefully we will be in a position to confirm our 2016 plans in the next week but our commitment to Yamaha UK and the YZF-R1M project remains intact, we made a lot of progress throughout 2015 and are looking forward to reaping the benefits with a successful 2016.”

The split gives rise to speculation that Harrison may replace Guy Martin in the Tyco BMW squad.