Steve Martin

2007 - With a Honda Fireblade having finished second in the 2006 World Superbike championship, courtesy of James Toseland and Ten Kate, Martin jumped at the chance to ride a similar CBR1000RR for DFX in 2007.

However, after just two rounds, the former Foggy Petronas rider was informed that DFX was experiencing financial difficulties and unable to run two riders for the remainder of the season. As team-mate Michel Fabrizio was a Honda Europe funded rider, it was Martin's ride in jeopardy.

Further discussions then revealed that sufficient funds could be made available to run Martin at the third round of the championship, at Donington Park, and also the following three races at Valencia, Assen and Monza. But that plan also changed when DFX decided there was no money for Assen and could only offer Martin a ride for the three Italian rounds - at Monza, Misano and Vallelunga.

That decision, combined with a lack of mechanics and testing, prompted Martin to call it quits after Monza - when, amongst other 'problems', his gear lever fell off - but not before costing him the chance of further appearances for the Yamaha World Supersport team, which he had temporarily joined at Assen to replace the injured Kevin Curtain (and finished 10th).

Martin's return to DFX at Monza had forced Yamaha to look elsewhere for a replacement and 250GP privateer Anthony West was hired. While Martin went through his messy split with DFX, West finished third on his debut at Monza, won in the wet next time out at Silverstone and again in the dry at Misano.

As a result of those rides, West was snapped up by Kawasaki in MotoGP, but Martin - who was replaced at DFX by Italian 'pay-rider' Luca Morelli - had missed his chance and was overlooked in favour of Australian Jason O'Halloran, then BSB rider Tommy Hill for the Yamaha WSS seat.

Nevertheless, Martin's professional reputation and experience saw him appear for several further teams - including Yamaha Motor France (WSBK), Mandy Keinz Yamaha Austria racing (Suzuka 8 Hours) and Celani Suzuki (WSBK) - during the tail end of 2007, but there were no firm offers for 2008.

2006 Re-signed by Foggy Petronas Racing and again wins praise from throughout the paddock for his performances in what is the underpowered FP1’s final season. With rookie team-mate Craig Jones suffering a tough season, Martin virtually carries the team but can only score points in seven of the 24 races and finishes 21st overall. Nevertheless, has interest from a number of teams for 2007 and, with Foggy unable to confirm its plans, moves to DFX Honda.

2005 - Moves to Foggy Petronas Racing to ride alongside countryman, and former MotoGP star, Garry McCoy. Best result a fifth at Imola, while a stunning Superpole lap at Phillip Island saw him start his home round from second on the grid. 18th in championship, but twice as many points as McCoy.

2004 - Remains with DFX in WSBK to ride a Ducati 999, alongside Marco Borciani, confident in the knowledge that the whole SBK field will now be using Pirelli tyres. Takes 3 poles, 5 podiums and 1 fastets lap but is denied a debut win when engine fails while leading at Phillip Island. 7th in championship.

2003 - 8th in WSBK championship with DFX Ducati.

2002 - 16th in WSBK championship with DFX Ducati.

2001 - 17th in WSBK championship with DFX Ducati.

1999 - Australian Superbike champion.