Foggy Petronas Will Not Renew Haydon’s Contract

Foggy Petronas Will Not Renew Haydon’s Contract

© 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy PETRONAS Racing search for new rider

Foggy PETRONAS Racing will not seek to retain the services of James Haydon when his contract expires at the end of the current 2003 season. Haydon was signed at the beginning of the 2002 season to join Troy Corser in developing the FP1 – the Malaysian superbike.

The 28-year-old was denied the chance of any track action in 2002, when the team’s debut was delayed until this year. But James has since struggled to find a balance between his riding style and the new bike at a succession of new circuits on the World Superbike calendar.

Team owner Carl Fogarty said: “I genuinely feel sorry that this has not worked out for James. I signed him because of his aggressive style and determined nature but, for whatever reason, this has not suited our bike. While Troy raves about the handling of the FP1, James has clearly struggled to find a set-up that works for him.

“Circumstances have been difficult, as he has been competing at a number of new circuits, which is never easy. And he has had bad luck at times, such as the two crashes at Laguna, neither of which were his fault. We all hope that he goes on to recreate the kind of form and results which attracted us to him in the first place.

“We will now start the search for a replacement to work alongside Troy, who has another year of his contract to run, in challenging for wins next year.”

James said: “It has been a difficult two seasons. To sit out and be a spectator to WSB in 2002 was probably the hardest job I have ever had to do. To then attempt to find a set-up on the new bike on a race by race basis rather than through testing has not been ideal, but I feel Brands helped a lot. I look forward to my last three races and finishing the season on a high.

“I know the FP1 has the potential to be a winner and I wish PETRONAS and the team all the best for the future.”

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