Yamaha confirm Superbikes exit

Yamaha are to pull out of the Superbike World Championship at the end of the 2011 season.

Riders Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty - third and fourth respectively in the world championship standings - will be looking for a new team after the Japanese manufacturer decided not to continue with their factory-backed outfit.
Laverty finished second in both races at Sunday's European round of the championship at Silverstone, with Melandri third both times out.
The news will also come as a blow to Welshman Chaz Davies who leads the Supersport World Championship for the same team.
The decision to quit the world championship has been taken by Yamaha Motor Europe, citing falling motorcycle sales throughout the region.
A statement from YME read: "YME would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the total commitment, support and passion shown by the extremely professional and dedicated riders and team members both past and present throughout the many years of participation in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
"YME has chosen this timing of announcement to ensure that all existing obligations are correctly met, and to not limit any opportunities or future planning for all personnel involved."
Yamaha will make specialist parts available to any teams wishing to run the R1 and R6 models in the 2012 superbike and supersport championships.