Neukirchner Ends Deal with Alstare

Max Neukirchner

Team Suzuki Alstare confirmed it will not be automatically renewing its contract with Max Neukirchner after being unable to clarify when he will be able to race again. Max Neukirchner's season was ruined by serious injuries – first a broken leg at Monza's Turn 1 in May, then some fractured vertebrae at the official tests at Imola in July.

After the last crash, his return on track (initially scheduled for Brno) was indefinitely postponed after doctors Costa, Corbascio and neuro-surgeon Professor Bollini all declared that they would not take responsibility for allowing Max to ride a bike again this year, despite an announcement posted on the rider's website claiming that he will be back for some action at the official after-season tests at Portimao scheduled for October 26th.

This somewhat confusing situation forced the pseudo-factory Team Suzuki Alstare to invite Max Neukirchner to come with one of his doctors for a discussion concerning his return on WSBK tracks. Since Max Neukirchner failed to attend the meeting, Team Suzuki Alstare decided to end his contract.

“Alstare Suzuki have had a close collaboration with Max for three years and, during this time, we have encouraged and developed his promise whilst supporting him in the best possible way to enhance his career. Max’s failure to come and talk to us means that, regretfully, this collaboration has now come to an end. However, we would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery and good luck in the future,” said an official statement from Team Suzuki Alstare.

With Max Neukirchner out for the next season and Yukio Kagayama unlikely to stay with the team, the 2010 Team Suzuki Alstare lineup will consist of Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli.

“Sylvain already knows about the Suzuki GSX-R and Pirelli tires and his professionalism and motivation for this new challenge are positive factors for us to start working together straight away. We at Team Suzuki Alstare are also very happy to welcome a British rider. The Suzuki UK distributor has always given great support to Team Suzuki Alstare and all of us are delighted to have signed Leon Haslam for the 2010 World Superbike Championship," confirmed team boss Francis Batta.

"He has a real fighting spirit and is one of the best riders in the WSBK series, for sure. We are certain he will fit in perfectly with the Team Suzuki Alstare structure, as we both share the same desire to work hard and to win. With a team of such quality and experience as Suzuki Alstare, we feel that Leon will have a very bright future,” added the British official.