Sylvain Guintoli has sensationally split with the Liberty Ducati World Superbike team this lunchtime after the team have no bike for him to ride at the Brno round and there have been rumblings of non-payment of wages.

The Frenchman, who lives near Leicester, has been the team's most successful rider of the three that are left following Brett McCormick's Assen crash. A statement from Guintoli says he is free to take up another ride in the championship.

The statement reads:

“Liberty CZ Group had contracted to have Sylvain Guintoli ride for them with the Superbike World Championship 2012. Liberty have confirmed they are unable to provide a bike for Sylvain Guintoli to race at Brno and potentially in the future. Due to this and a failure of Liberty to fulfil other key aspects of the contract, there has been no option but for Sylvain to accept that the contract has to be terminated and notice has formally been given to Liberty that the contract is terminated immediately. Sylvain Guintoli, who had fulfilled all of his obligations is disappointed with Liberty’s difficulties and their inability to provide a bike for him at Brno but is now free to take up other rides with immediate effect."