ParkinGO to take up Yamaha WSBK role?
World Supersport Championship leaders ParkinGO Racing would consider graduating to the World Superbike Championship as a Yamaha representative next season, albeit only if it could secure a viable deal with the manufacturer.
The shock announcement that Yamaha is withdrawing its official WSBK entry at the end of the 2011 season threatens to leave a significant void in the series, in much the same way that Ducati did when it confirmed its decision to leave twelve months ago.
However, while Ducati retains a semi-official presence with Althea Racing, a level of commitment that currently sees it atop the WSBK standings, Yamaha has not had a full-time satellite presence since the Yamaha France Ipone team withdrew at the end of the 2008 season.
Nonetheless, WSBK organisers will be keen to ensure Yamaha, champions with Ben Spies less than two years ago, has some involvement next year, potentially opening the way for another team to take up the reins, most notably BE1 Racing.
BE1 Racing, which competes under the ParkinGO banner and is helmed by former racer Giuliano Rovelli, has established itself as WSS title contenders in 2011 after switching from Triumph to Yamaha machinery, with Welshman Chaz Davies currently well ahead of his rivals with just four races remaining.
Already keen to make the move into Superbikes, Rovelli told GPOne.com that Yamaha could be an option, but only if it can come to some sort of agreement on machinery and parts.
"After what we did in the Supersport, we would like to repeat those achievements in a higher category. But we are interested in collaborating. It is important there is availability of the Yamaha, so we to seek a solution for this to happen. "
Should ParkinGO venture to Superbikes, Rovelli revealed he will likely do so with Davies before considering any other rider, potentially Marco Melandri.
