SportBiKeZ

Heading in to the 11th round of the World Superbike Championship at Donington Park this weekend and there is still no further news on what riders will be racing in what teams in 2009.

Historically all the major signings are completed by the Brands Hatch race at the beginning of August, but this season the whole WSB paddock remains in limbo one month on.

The main reason for the delay is over who will replace Troy Bayliss in the Xerox Ducati team when the Australian retires at the end of the season. To date there have been numerous names thrown in the hat ranging from Max Biaggi, Chris Vermeulen, Noriyuki Haga, Ben Spies and Briton Shane Byrne.

Ducati were expected to make the eagerly awaited announcement last week, but the decision has been delayed yet again and MCN understands that there is a whole series of meetings planned this weekend which could determine the final outcome.

With the factory Ducati ride still undecided it’s proving difficult for any of the other rides to be finalised. Currently there have been no confirmed signings at the Yamaha Italia team, Ten Kate Honda are yet to announce their three man rider line up and Alstare Suzuki have only one rider confirmed with Max Neukirchner already signed for 2009.

BMW is another big player with a ride available. The new to WSB manufacturer announced the signing of Ruben Xaus back in June, but are yet to confirm their second man.

WSB has also become a melting pot for young and old talent with BSB young guns and MotoGP veterans all fighting for a top ride alongside the established WSB regulars.