Image: Andrew Gosling.

Reigning Australian Superbike Champions Team Suzuki is yet to confirm its position on the 2014 grid as it searches for additional funding for this season.

Newly-crowned ASBK champion Wayne Maxwell remains unsigned for this season, which is scheduled to commence at Queensland Raceway in April, and the team faces a race against time to secure required backing.

It’s understood that Suzuki Australia has called on longtime Team Suzuki operator Phil Tainton Racing (PTR) to source increased sponsorship in order for the team to continue and that the Victorian-based squad is yet to commit to the season with Maxwell.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to secure the required sponsorship,” team manager Phil Tainton explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “I’m still living in hope, but honestly it’s becoming increasingly grim. I’ve explained that to Wayne as well, and he’s been a real gentleman about it – he’s been exceptionally patient.”

Suzuki Australia general manager, motorcycles, Perry Morison was unable to comment on the matter when contacted by CycleOnline.com.au this afternoon.

Former Maxwell teammate Robbie Bugden has vacated Team Suzuki to sign with the Yamaha Racing Team Australasian Superbike Championship effort for 2014, completing a shakedown test with the team at Queensland Raceway on Sunday.

Five-time New Zealand Superbike Champion Bugden was an 11th-hour addition to Team Suzuki last year alongside Maxwell to complete the season, clinching a round win and third in the championship overall.

Tainton has fielded an Australian Superbike entry since PTR’s fulltime national debut over two decades ago in 1990 aboard privately-entered Suzuki machinery.

PTR has been Suzuki’s official ASBK team since 1997 following Tainton’s 1996 involvement in Peter Goddard’s championship victory, clinching further titles with Shawn Giles (2000, 2001, 2002), Craig Coxhell (2003), Josh Waters (2009, 2012) and Maxwell (2013).

Team Suzuki also won the 2010 Australian Supersport Championship with Troy Herfoss at the helm, along with the 2011 Australian Endurance Championship using a combination of Waters, Herfoss and Bugden.