Tom Sykes also finds himself without a ride for next year after taking his first WSB win at Nurburgring
AHEAD of the WSB races at Nurburgring Paul Bird Motorsport was informed that the team would be losing the contract to run the official Kawasaki team in the championship next season.
Kawasaki will remain in the production-based series in 2012, as the manufacturer has been suggested to be supporting the Spanish Provec Motocard.com team currently competing in the Supersport category with factory ZX-10Rs.
The news also finds Tom Sykes without a ride for next year, after giving Kawasaki their first WSB win in five years, as his contract is with PBM directly.
Revealing the Japanese manufacturer's decision top drop PBM in the team's own press release, team boss Paul Bird said: "Having learned this morning that we wouldn't be running the Kawasaki team next year was a massive blow and the team responded magnificently with our strongest performance of the season.
"As well as us, Tom was told his services would not be required next season so what better way of proving a point than giving the factory its first victory in five years but you have to say they make some great decisions don't they?
"Getting sacked proved to be a lucky omen for us and I'm delighted for Tom and the team as they have been through the mill at times with this project. It's a shame we can't see it through given all our hard work but as one door closes, another one opens and we look forward to the challenges ahead should we decide to carry on."
Joan Lascorz is expected to be safe after having previously ridden for the Motocard.com squad in World Supersport, but there are a few riders rumoured to be taking the seat alongside the Spaniard with Randy de Puniet and Marco Melandri linked to the Kawasaki ride.
