Despite very strong rumours, Yamaha's World Supersport team is to remain in the series for 2009 with team manager Wilco Zeelenberg stating the team are signed up to race, although with a smaller budget.
It was rumoured that the team would be axed and the money pumped into the manufacturer's World Superbike effort. The squad, which is based in Holland, haven't managed to win the World Supersport title, even thought they have had factory support and top notch riders.
Zeelenberg said that as team manager, he would be aware of any plans to pull out but knows nothing about it. He also said the team was registered to race in 2009 but would have less cash this season.
This will come as a relief to former British Superbike star Cal Crutchlow who is due to commence racing with the squad this season.