Walker returns to Kawasaki for 2005

Chris Walker today announced that he will ride for the PSG-1 team in next season's Superbike World championship.

The 32-year-old from Nottingham, England, was the first rider to secure a podium finish for Foggy PETRONAS Racing in this season's first race at Valencia, Spain.

But, after much deliberation, Chris has decided to renew his long-standing acquaintance with Kawasaki for 2005.

FPR team owner Carl Fogarty said: "Every rider likes to have their own mechanic with them, as I always did. So we put together an attractive package, which included the addition of his mechanic to our team. However, circumstances beyond the control of all those involved, meant that Chris wasn't able to accept that package.

"We were confident that, after a season of adapting to our triple, Chris would have been able to fulfill his potential and become a consistent front-runner next season on the FP1. Chris has enjoyed most of his success in the past on a four-cylinder bike and probably feels that he is more at home on a Kawasaki. But we are sure that the PETRONAS engine development team will make big strides forward during our winter testing programme and that our bike, which we know is fast enough to achieve pole positions, will be able to challenge the established manufacturers on a regular basis."

Chris said: "It has been a really hard decision as I have really enjoyed my time with PETRONAS and the team, and Foggy has been a star. But the timing is right for me to get back on a four-cylinder."

Chris helped PETRONAS finish third in the manufacturers' standings in just their second year of racing in World Superbikes, finishing 11th in the rider standings with 128 points.

-www.foggyPETRONASracing.com