The Yamaha Racing Team has sensationally quit the premier Superbike category for the 2010 Australian Superbike Championship, instead focussing its efforts on the Supersport and Superstock categories.

The 2006 and 2007 championship-winning team has decided to pull the pin on the Superbike class after a difficult season developing the big-bang YZF-R1, citing the financial crisis and expensive Superbike rules as the reason for its decision.

Yamaha Motor Australia had proposed for more standardised regulations for next year in order to cut costs, but that proposal hadn’t been accepted by series governing body Motorcycling Australia, forcing YRT out of the category along with Kawasaki.

“We had made it clear where we stood in regards to the rules, and it’s been confirmed by MA that the rule book is about to go to print with no changes over 2009 for the Superbike class, so I think that’s pretty much answered our question,” explained YRT team manager John Redding when contacted by MotoOnline.com.au.

The pullout has left siblings Jamie and Dan Stauffer without Superbike rides for the new year, although Yamaha has confirmed that the pair will be offered positions in the Supersport squad – expected to be alongside Bryan Staring and Pat Medcalf in a four rider team.

It’s believed that both the Stauffer brothers are eager to remain in the Superbike category.

Trinder Brothers Racing has confirmed its participation for next season as a full Superbike effort, with the manufacturer unconfirmed at this stage as they await confirmation of factory support from MV Agusta, while KTM, Aprilia and Ducati have all officially confirmed that there is a possibility of supporting teams in the 2010 or 2011 seasons respectively.