Kawasaki MotoGP rider Anthony West will switch to the World Supersport paddock with Stiggy Honda for the 2009 season and it could be an indication that current rider Josh Brookes could be heading for British Superbikes with HM Plant Honda.
West, who has not had the best of times with Team Green, will go back to a 600cc four-stroke on which we won two races and a got third place in 2007 when he rode as a replacement.
"I'm very happy to be joining the Stiggy team. Stiggy is a friend and old team-mate from 2003 in 250GP," said West. "I remember saying to him one day that he should start his own team because none of the other teams knew how to do it right, and to my surprise he did! Over the last couple of years I heard from everybody in the industry that the Stiggy team it's one of the better ones in the championship.
"To have a team boss that knows what it's like to race and knows what racing is all about is just great! After a difficult year in MotoGP I need to race on a bike that can win, and in Supersport together with team Stiggy I can. For 2009 I have only one goal - to win!"
Team boss Johan Stigefelt added: " I'm very pleased to have Anthony onboard. We both come from MotoGP and the 250cc class and know each other well, having been team mates in 2003.
"I know he is a talented rider, a fighter and a winner and he will be the perfect match for us next year. Ever since his ‘wild-card’ ride in Supersport 2007, I have wanted him in our team. Now it's a reality and we will have to put all our efforts into a successful relationship. With four years' experience in World Supersports, I believe we’ll be able to give him a winning Honda. Our aim is high - we will be fighting for the title next year."
Brookes rode for the HM Plant Supersport team at Brands Hatch last weekend, fuelling rumour that he could partner Glen Richards in the Superbike squad. Former Airwaves Ducati man Gregorio Lavilla was hotly-tipped to be making a return to the series with the Louth-based outfit but that way now have gone by the wayside.
