Rick Olson is currently leading the FX-600 series for Yamaha in 2013. Image: Brian Dyer.

Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) will withdraw its factory support from 600cc racing in 2014, increasing support of Yamaha Racing Development (YRD) competitors racing with the YZF-R6.

Contesting the Australian FX-Superbike Championship series this season, YRT has fielded four YZF-R1s (three in FX-Superbike and one in Formula Oz) and two R6s (two in FX-600), however next year team manager John Redding has confirmed it will be an R1-only operation.

Multiple-time national champion Kevin Curtain currently rides FX-Superbike and Formula Oz, new AFX-SBK champion Broc Parkes rides FX-Superbike only, Rock Olson rides FX-Superbike and FX-600, while Cru Halliday rides FX-600 only.

YRT has proposed to retain a four-rider program all within 1000cc categories for next season.

Despite the FX series – to be rebranded the Australasian Superbike Championship (ASC) in 2014 – recently announcing that factory teams won’t be eligible for Supersport (currently FX-600) and Formula Oz in 2014, Redding said Yamaha’s decision was made prior to that announcement.

“After some long discussions it has been decided to withdraw YRT’s involvement in 600cc class racing,” Redding told CycleOnline.com.au. “For 2014 we will devote our 600cc class efforts and resources to the support provided to our YRD program.

“It is obvious that the R6 has proved to be the number one choice for 600cc road race competitors, but our program will become tailored so that it better supports varying rider abilities and while being results based will also try to identify, rider by rider, how best to provide this support.

“In 2014 our YRD rider support staff, Ian Irving and Stewart Winton, will work closely with all our support riders to identify areas where we can best assist them.

“We will continually work to identify riders who require our support and assistance and endeavour to provide this based on their results, and also work towards promoting the unification of the technical rules for the 600cc classes in both national series so that these riders can use the same machinery at all events.”

YRD-supported rider Daniel Falzon recently wrapped up the Australian Supersport Championship, while YRT regulars Rick Olson and Cru Halliday currently sit 1-2 in the FX-600 series with one round remaining – signifying the dominance of the R6 in Australian racing.

Yamaha is yet to confirm whether its factory YRT team will compete in the ASC or the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) for next season yet, with Redding revealing to CycleOnline.com.au that the team is “seriously considering both or either currently”.

However, Yamaha’s involvement in the premier class will not take place under the current technical regulations Redding stated.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story.