Abe moves to WSBK?

As previously reported by Crash.net, Yamaha sources are now confirming that Norick Abe will be racing in the World Superbike championship this season.

Insiders say that Abe didn't want to return to a testing role but - after the signing of Ruben Xaus and Toni Elias at the Tech 3 team for 2005 - he was left without an M1 ride in the 2005 MotoGP World Championship.

Therefore Abe looked for a Superbike ride from his Yamaha factory, with rumours even circulating that he would be placed in Britain to contest the British Superbike championship in a factory supported effort.

However recent reports suggest he has signed with the Yamaha France WSBK team along-side Sebastian Gimbert, who debuted the 2005 Yamaha R1 race bike at the final round of 2004, taking the machine to two fourth place finishes at Magny Cours.

Interestingly, the main page on Abe's official website shows a picture of the Japanese rider throwing a leg over a 2005 Yamaha R1 Superbike, a possible hint to his fans of his plans for this season.

An official release is expected in the near future.