IN an amicable split, Rizla Suzuki and Scott Smart have agreed to go their separate ways in search of improved results and performance.
Robert Wicks, Rizla Suzuki Team Manager, said: "We are disappointed not to have been able to unlock Scott's obvious potential as a Superbike racer, however we need to move forward and improve our results.
"Rizla Suzuki is results driven and we have not been delivering the values our partners require during the first six rounds of the year. It is best for both Rizla Suzuki as a team and Scott as a talented professional racer if we pursue our separate paths.
"We accept that there have been contributing factors that have made Scott's job extremely difficult - the injury to John Reynolds added unexpected pressure, Scott has not always agreed with the direction the team wishes to take, we lacked testing due to the late delivery of the race bike and everyone in the team has had to adjust to a new structure."
Scott said: "There is no question that I struggled to gel with the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000. We tried making many changes and I still couldn't find a competitive setting. I had very little confidence in the bike and that was reflected in my results.
"While I didn't always agree with the team on ways to improve the race bike, I do agree with them now that we should have a clean break and go our separate ways. For the benefit of my own career, I need to get back winning races and I am now looking for another team to achieve that with.
"I know how important it is for Rizla Suzuki to get results and I personally want to see MXC as an investor in my career and Rizla Suzuki, be successful on both counts. I wish Rizla Suzuki well for the rest of the season."
Tony Weaver, Scott Smart's Manager and a Director of MXC, said: "I am disappointed that Scott and Rizla Suzuki have not been able to get the results that both sorely deserve.
"As Scott's Manager I remain committed to him and his career and have faith that he is a future Champion. As a sponsor of Rizla Suzuki, MXC remains committed to the most professional team in British Superbikes and we will continue our very successful relationship.
"I think this parting of company is necessary to allow both Scott and Rizla Suzuki to focus on getting much improved results and I'll be cheering both on for the remainder of the season."
Wicks added: "Rizla Suzuki thanks Scott for all his efforts in the Championship this year, wishes him the very best for his future career and hopes to see him back where he belongs fighting for race wins soon.
"As a team we will now review our options for the second half of the British Superbike season and will make an announcement on a replacement rider shortly."
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