Crescent, the organisation behind the official Suzuki British Superbike team, has confirmed that 2008 Superbike racer Atsushi Watanabe will not be retained for the 2009 season.

Watanabe joined the Crescent-operated Rizla Suzuki squad for the 2008 BSB season and has enjoyed a fruitful season learning the British circuits under the guidance of one of the best teams. He has enjoyed varying degrees of success with a best result of 7th in the second race at Cadwell Park in August. On top of this, he finished runner-up in the prestigious Suzuka 8-hour event in Japan.

He will move to the Relentless by TAS Suzuki squad for 2009, spearheading its challenge in the British Superbike Championship.

He said: "I am very grateful to Crescent for... // Cherry Creek News

Auto Racing Daily (Enlarge photo)

CRESCENT, the organisation behind the official Suzuki British Superbike team, has confirmed that 2008 Superbike racer Atsushi Watanabe will not be retained for the 2009 season.

Atsu joined the Crescent operated Rizla Suzuki squad for the 2008 BSB season and has enjoyed a fruitful season learning the British circuits under the guidance of one of the best teams. He has enjoyed varying degrees of success with a best result of 7th in the second... // Auto Racing Daily

Superbike News (Enlarge photo)

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is pleased to announce the signing of Atsushi Watanabe, the 2002 and 2007 Japanese Superbike Champion, who will race the all-new GSX–R1000 for the Irish based team in the 2009 British Superbike Championship. Atsushi made his British Superbike debut this season under the guidance of the Rizla Suzuki team, giving him the chance to learn 12 new circuits, whilst also adapting to the European culture.

The 32-year-old from Hamamatsu in Japan has a wealth of experience riding GSX–R machinery and earlier this year he finished runner up in the Suzuka 8 Hour Race, riding a Yoshimura Suzuki alongside Daisaku Sakai.

“We are very pleased to have secured Atsushi’s services for the 2009 British Superbike Championship and we look forward to welcoming, both he and... // Superbike News