Guy Martin is AIM-ing for a new start in 2006

Guy Martin today announced that he would be changing teams for the 2006 season when he agreed a deal with the AIM Racing Yamaha squad - thus bringing an end to the successful two-year partnership he had enjoyed with the privately run Uel Duncan Racing team.

The new deal will see the Kirmington rider team up with former TAS Suzuki rider Adrian Archibald, who joined the team earlier in the week, and the duo will spearhead Yamaha UK’s assault at the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and Ulster GP. Steve Mellor, formerly of V&M, will be in charge of the engine tuning, and Martin will compete in all three classes, Superbike, Supersport and Superstock.

Despite rumours suggesting otherwise, the deal isn’t confined to the three International meetings, and 23-year old Martin will also compete at the Southern 100, all three Scarborough meetings, and selected Irish National road races including Cookstown, Tandragee, Kells, Mid-Antrim and Killalane. In a surprise move, the Alistair Flanagan-owned team also hopes to compete in the two home World Superbike rounds at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, and the Daytona 200 races in the USA.

Speaking about the move and his new deal, Guy commented: “I’m delighted to be joining the Yamaha team, and I believe that they will give me the best opportunity of taking a win at the TT, which is my main aim for 2006. Leaving Uel Duncan’s team is without doubt the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, as they have definitely been the best thing that have happened to me in my career. I’m sorry to leave and I can’t thank them enough for all their efforts and commitment over the last two years - and wish them well for the future.

“However, the time felt right to move and, although I had a number of other offers on the table, I felt that the move to Yamaha was the right one for me at this stage of my career - and it’s great to have it all sorted so early. I can’t wait to get started, and am looking forward to having a great 2006 with AIM Racing and, hopefully, lots of success!”

Guy will have his final outing for the Uel Duncan Racing squad at the Sunflower Trophy races, which are to be held at Bishopscourt on Saturday, 15th of October.