SERT Suzuki Out - Michelin Honda In...

The FIM have released the list of teams who have applied for "permanent" status. The 18 teams will compete for the 2009 Endurance FIM World Championship, committing to take part in all the races except the now optional Suzuka 8 Hour.

2008 World Endurance Champions SERT Suzuki are not on the list; they are only expected to compete at Le Mans and the Bol d'Or this year. The most interesting addition to the permanent entry this season is the Honda Michelin Power Research team of Costes, Monge and Marchand. The team behind the Michelin Honda are probably more familiar as Daffix Motos, a force to be reckoned with some years ago.

Also missing are Folch Yamaha, with their two riders moving to established teams. Pedro Valcaneras will ride for Yamaha Phase One alongside the Cudlin brothers, while Dani Ribalta joins Jason Pridmore at BK Maco Moto.

Yamaha Austria have confirmed they will field Jerman, Martin and Giabbani, while Bolliger Kawasaki are listing Muff, Saiger and Penzkofer to ride their ZX10R. Diablo Kawasaki, Suzuki RT Racing Moto Virus, La Fortezza X One and Diablo Kawasaki are all back for more, along with the Sapeurs Pompiers, No Limts and MSC Racing.

Superstock looks set to be another fight between QERT and LTG57, with ABG and Runner Bike returning and Morkos Suzuki Serbia and Cordobia Patrimonio de la Humanidid joining the ranks.

In all there are 18 teams (not the 19 mentioned in the official press release), representing ten nations. More teams may sign up before the first race of the year, at Le Mans in April.

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