Strong rumour in the World Superbike paddock suggests that Paul Bird has been drafted in to run the official Kawasaki WSB and World Superport effort in 2009.

And that was backed up yesterday by an announcement from GiL that they would no longer be running the 600cc squad for Team Green. Steve Guttridge, Kawaskai's European Race Planning Manager, said:  “It's been nice to work with this professional team during this season and it's unfortunate to see them moving on.

"Team owner Mr Ponsson has worked hard for Kawasaki during three years of collaboration and always wanted to give us the best results possible in this highly competitive category. We wish him and the individuals within the GIL Motorsport team the best of luck with their future projects.”

It's a departure for Bird, who has had an average couple of seasons running the Vent Axia Honda squad. It is believed that Bird has been in talks with current PSG Kawasaki rider Makoto Tamada and has also been around the table with Australian Broc Parkes and Ten Kate's Andrew Pitt.