Ponsson to miss Dutch WorldSBK after Alstare and Gil Motor Sport split

Following a split between Alstare and Gil Motor Sport, Yamaha rider Christophe Ponsson will not take part in the Dutch WorldSBK. 

Health reasons involving Francis Batta, Team Manager of Alstare, have led to the two entities parting ways - team restructure is set to take place. 

Ponsson, who originally joined the 2021 grid under the Gil Motor Sport name, will do so again from round six onwards. 

Batta missed round four at Donington Park three weeks ago, after doctors advised him not to travel for the remainder of the year. Due to Batta’s added health complication, Jean-Christophe Ponsson, Team Owner of Gil Motor Sport, will run the team.  

Ponsson Sr said: "I am extremely touched by what is happening to Francis, it has been more than 20 years that we have known each other, in 2003 and 2004 I was sponsor of Alstare before the debut in 2005 of Gil Motor Sport in WorldSSP with precisely his former rider, Stephane Chambon, with whom Alstare was Supersport World Champion in 1999. 

"So it’s so obvious to me and the team that Francis needs to make his recovery a priority. 

"I want to thank Francis for the work he has done since the start of the season and I wish him the best for his health. 

"Now Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha will do everything to ensure that the team is present from the WordSBK round in Most in the Czech Republic."

While for different reasons, Ponsson is the second WorldSBK rider who will not be competing this weekend after Eugene Laverty and RC Squadra Corse confirmed their withdrawal due to Internal restructuring on Wednesday.