Team Roberts turns attention to 2006.

As previously reported, the Oxfordshire-based Proton KR team will miss the next five 'flyaway' grands prix but hope to return to the track at the final race of the season at Valencia in Spain at the beginning of November.

The team, run by three times World 500cc Champion Kenny Roberts, hit major problems before the Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno when engine supplier KTM withdrew their support.

They managed to race their own 2004 V5 machine in Brno, with Jeremy McWilliams in the saddle, but have not got the resources to send the machine away for the next five races in six weeks.

"We hope to be in Valencia and that's what we are working towards. It's very disappointing... we have the resources and ability to run a competitive team next year, but we need the finance and sponsors," said managing director Chuck Aksland.

However, Aksland will still fly out to Motegi, for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, to try and sort out the team's future... Could the team be planning to run Japanese engines next season?

Meanwhile, the withdrawal of KTM has also left former British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne without a ride.

'Shakey' was contracted to KTM and is now waiting for a call-up for any team who may have a rider injured in the hectic finish to the season... but has already been overlooked by Camel Honda, who have selected Tohru Ukawa to replace Troy Bayliss this weekend.

Byrne is rumoured to be considering a leading WSBK ride for 2006, but Dorna may yet help keep the #67 in GP racing.