Moto2: Jack & Jones pull backing, team withdraws

Kenny Noyes and Gabor Talmacsi have been left without rides for the 2011 Moto2 World Championship after Jack & Jones by Antonio Banderas confirmed it is withdrawing from the series.

Noyes and Talmacsi, who was joining from the Fimmco Speed Up team, were present during recent testing, but the withdrawal of title sponsor Jack & Jones has forced the team to close in an effort to give both riders and team members a better chance of finding alternative employment for 2011.

Indeed, despite the backing of internationally-recognised actor Antonio Banderas and a proposed move from Promoharris to Suter chassis in 2011, team manager Dani Devahive insists he had no choice but to make the 'difficult decision'.

"This is perhaps the hardest decision I've made in the last 10 years. Despite the enthusiasm and excitement that Antonio Banderas and I have put into this project, the lack of funding has forced us to take this difficult decision.

"At the present it's very difficult to find a sponsor in time to take part in the championship that starts in March and therefore it's our responsibility towards our staff and riders and release them to find other teams."

The announcement is a significant blow to Talmacsi, who was a consistent hand in 2010 on the way to sixth position in the overall standings. Noyes, meanwhile, was planning to return for his second season with the team having shown flashes of form this year, particularly at Jerez and Barcelona.