Honda Cut Back in BSB??

[Gizmo]

Bikesport News is running an article which claims Honda have laid off mechanics in preparation for either a complete withdrawal or only running 1 rider in BSB in 2009.


News has reached us that HM Plant Honda boss Neil Tuxworth has been forced to lay off top mechanics sparking speculation the credit crunch really is biting in Louth.

Honda have stated previously that although their F1 team has been culled, the British Superbike team would only scale down its testing schedule with Honda UK General Manager Steve Martindale saying they would look at what they needed to run the team, instead of what they wanted.

It would now seem that, with technicians out of work three days before Christmas, HM Plant may well be a one-man team for the 2009 season, if they're there at all. However, BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs has said he believes the team will remain with a two-rider setup.

He said: "Honda have said to me they are committed to a two-man team for the 2009 British Superbike season despite the staff cuts."

Honda Japan have given out an edict that all MotoGP bike are to be built in the factory, not in Europe, to save money, and that everyone will now fly economy class instead of business.

Attempts to contact Neil Tuxworth have so far been fruitless...

 

[69jme69]

Bikesport News is running an article which claims Honda have laid off mechanics in preparation for either a complete withdrawal or only running 1 rider in BSB in 2009.


News has reached us that HM Plant Honda boss Neil Tuxworth has been forced to lay off top mechanics sparking speculation the credit crunch really is biting in Louth.

Honda have stated previously that although their F1 team has been culled, the British Superbike team would only scale down its testing schedule with Honda UK General Manager Steve Martindale saying they would look at what they needed to run the team, instead of what they wanted.

It would now seem that, with technicians out of work three days before Christmas, HM Plant may well be a one-man team for the 2009 season, if they're there at all. However, BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs has said he believes the team will remain with a two-rider setup.

He said: "Honda have said to me they are committed to a two-man team for the 2009 British Superbike season despite the staff cuts."

Honda Japan have given out an edict that all MotoGP bike are to be built in the factory, not in Europe, to save money, and that everyone will now fly economy class instead of business.

Attempts to contact Neil Tuxworth have so far been fruitless...

bloody hell

 

[malcolm wade]

Not a surprise given what H have done in F1 / Swindon and Japan.... sad though it is - I suspect more is on the way yet!

 

[Bert3]

I suppose the bottom line is, if the new bike market has stagnated, then it doesn't matter how many races you win, it cant improve sales - so why spend money racing?

They all need one 'development' series and it looks like Honda (and probably Ducati as well!) have decided that will be WSB in 2009 ......

 

[Gizmo]

I think Honda are anticipating that the businesses that co sponsor have yet to re-align budgets or alter to allow for a downturn in the economy. A lot of motorsport has been supported by companies that are in problem sectors - finance, property and construction and its inevitable that some of these will go down pre or mid season, you really don't need to be exposed to the risk, better to trim or walk way now than spend a load and find you need to throw more in mid season.