<b>Bird flies to World Superbikes.</b>

Double BSB winning team owner Paul Bird made the decision after securing his sponsors for a further season. He has also been offered some help from the HRC factory which will give the team an even more competitive edge.

Speaking about the deal, Bird said: "I've always said that at some point in time, I'd like to do the World Championship and in the situation we have found ourselves in, now is the ideal opportunity. I have a duty to my team to provide them with the very best riders to work with and it is just what we need."

Having recently lost both his riders to other teams - with Tom Sykes moving to Rizla Suzuki and Shane Byrne going to Airwaves Ducati - Bird, said: "We have all felt like a pair of discarded Y Fronts over the past few days and weeks but it just goes to prove that a team like mine can bounce back and we are all very excited by the prospect. I'm sad to be leaving BSB as we've had some great times there and I wish Tom and Shakey all the best on their season with their respective teams in the UK."

He is yet to confirm his rider line up but an announcement is expected later this month.