Stuart Easton has let his team know he will not be competing in the remaining two rounds of the 2016 season.

After joining the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati team midseason on a round by round basis Stuart has completed three BSB rounds with the team but has now decided to sit out the remaining two rounds and concentrate on his upcoming Macau GP Races and the 2017 season.

Team Boss Steve Moore comments:

“Stuart has had a tricky year, much like ourselves, but after the Donington park round it was clear that something wasn’t right. Stuart is a former British Champion and race winner as recent as last season, a proven racer. His results haven’t been what we all expected. So, for his own reasons he now feels that it’s time to take some time away from the riders seat and sit the remainder of the BSB season out.

Stuart’s fit with us was very good and has been very complimentary of our bike and team but unless every detail is right you cannot expect to compete at this level.  BSB Superbike is a punishing racing class, you only need to be a few percent off your best and you’re out of the points. Stuart was within two percent of the fastest guys every sector, every session, but that saw him outside the points several times. Which isn’t a fair reflection of him or the bike.

I thank Stuart for his effort and his up front honesty, his experience and professional feedback has helped us develop the bike further and he’ll remain a good friend of the team. We enjoyed having him with us and I really look forward to watching him lift trophies again soon.

We don’t give up so I’ve spoken to several riders already, now we will use the remaining two rounds to develop our Panigale further and will announce a new rider soon ready for Assen and maybe even the same one for Brands Hatch too.”

Easton comments:

“I really appreciate the chance and opportunity Steve gave me with the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati team in the last three races. I didn’t think it was fair to continue when the results weren’t coming. I can’t thank them enough for all the effort they put in and I’m sorry I couldn’t get the results they deserve.  I will be concentrating on Macau and 2017 now.”