Yamaha's withdrawal from the World Supersport series seems to be confirmed as news reaches us that Johan Stigefelt's team will run the 600s under the Monster-backed banner next season with Anthony West as a contracted rider and Eugene Laverty tipped to take the second seat.

Yamaha are known to want to spend their money on MotoGP and running an official Supersport team is just another expense they don't need.

What isn't clear is the position with Cal Crutchlow. He is currently leading the World Supersport Championship and has another year to run on his contract but is making big noises about moving to Moto2.