Barros leaves West Honda Pons.

As expected, Alex Barros has just announced that he will not be riding for the West Honda Pons team - or any Honda outfit - in the 2003 season. So who will the MotoGP man of the moment sign for...? Expect an answer within the hour...

The Brazilian has enjoyed perhaps his most successful season ever in 2002. After a slow start in the early races he soon ran into fine form in Assen where he took part in the first of what would turn out to be a number of memorable battles with Valentino Rossi.

In that race Valentino proved victorious, but in the 13th race of he season Alex took possession of the new Honda RC211V and showed exactly what he was capable of by winning his first race on the four-stroke in Motegi after another fine battle with Valentino.

On Sunday in Valencia, Alex rounded off the season, and with it his years with the West Honda Pons team, in fine style with his second win in four races and his fourth consecutive podium finish.

"It has been a matter of great pride for me to be part of the Honda family and part of the West Honda Pons team," said Barros who remained tight-lipped about which rival team he was joining. "I am extremely grateful to Sito for all he has done for me. He has been like a father to me and has helped me mature both as a rider and as a person. It is a great shame that our paths must now separate, but life goes on and new challenges emerge.

"I wish the very best for Sito and his team," added the Brazilian sincerely. "It is a hugely professional and determined team which has shown its true potential with the victories this season. For sure, Honda has given me a fantastic bike, but I could not have achieved the results I have this season had it not been for the magnificent work done by the team. They have constantly supported me through good and bad times and I shall miss them greatly."

Sito Pons himself spoke of his sadness at losing Barros: "This has been a truly emotional weekend for our team. Firstly the joy after the marvellous race on Sunday with the result in the balance right up to the final corner, and now sadness with the emotional farewell to Alex.

"Throughout his career Alex has demonstrated that he is a true professional. He is a fantastic rider who, like a good wine, seems to have improved with age. I, like many others, believe that the outcome of this year's championship may have been very different had Alex been given the opportunity to ride the RC211V earlier in the season," sighed Sito.

"We will obviously remember him for his many successes with our team on the track, but perhaps more so for his kindness, humility and generosity off track. It has truly been a pleasure to work with him over the years and he has been like one of the family for us. On behalf of all the West Honda Pons team I would like to say a big thank you to Alex for everything he has done for the team over the years and I wish him, his wife Patricia and his children all the best in the future," concluded an emotional Sito.

in demand Barros is almost certain to join Yamaha - either the works team alongside Carlos Checa or the Privateer Tech 3 outfit.

Crash.Net will report Yamaha and Barros' decision as soon as it's announced...