Paul Bird has expressed his disappoinment that Eugene Laverty will not be able ride in his Vent Axia VK Honda squad alongside World Superbike regular Gregorio Lavilla at the two British WSB rounds – but remains confident he will field another British rider.
Bird, who had built another Fireblade expecially for Laverty, wants to showcase British talent on the world scene but feels politics have stopped Irishman Laverty from taking part.
"It's all a bit political," said the Cumbrian. "I even said he could ride the bike in Blusens leathers if that would keep them happy but it wasn't enough.
"I am pushing to get another British rider on the bike for both the rounds. I don't know who that will be yet but there are a few people around who are capable of doing it."