Barros exit leaves Klaffi seeking two riders.

Alex Barros' surprise decision to return to the MotoGP World Championship, on a d'Antin Ducati, for 2007 has left the Klaffi Honda Team seeking two new riders for next season.

After completing a last minute switch to Klaffi and WSBK for 2006, the Brazilian finished sixth in the final championship standings, with six podiums and one victory. Klaffi looked likely to fight several factory WSBK teams - such as Ducati Xerox and Winston Ten Kate Honda - to try and keep the 36-year-old, but all have now lost out after his MotoGP return.

"We offered Alex a potential package for 2007, but unfortunately he decided to quit and go for another challenge," commented team principal Klaus Klaffenbock. "I have to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best. We had ups and downs with some great performances. At the end of the season we had a very competitive bike. Alex proved that with strong performances in Lausitz and Imola. Especially the weekend in Imola was stunning for our team. We achieved our first race victory, although 2006 was only the second year since we started with SBK."

Despite the Barros loss, Klaffi remains focussed on expanding into a two rider team for 2007, and is now in 'serious talks' with several leading riders - with Neil Hodgson and Andrew Pitt likely to be on his list.