Image: Foremost Media.

A statement from outgoing Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider Jay Wilson has declared he will remain with Yamaha and continue racing in 2022.

Wilson, now 27, has formally departed the in-house Queensland-based program led by Scott Bishop and Mike Ward, the team instead announcing Alex Larwood and Rhys Budd.

It casts uncertainty over the future of Wilson, who has become a mainstay at Yamalube Yamaha during his career, capturing the 2018 Australian SX2 Championship together. He also won the 2015 national MX2 crown aboard YZ250F machinery.

“When I sat down to write this I thought about all the things I could or should say, that I could talk about our championships won, the highs, the lows and everything in between, but when I think about the last four years with Yamalube Yamaha Racing, what I really just want to say is thank you,” Wilson explained.

“This team supported me through lots or transitions. From juniors to under 19s, from just a racer, to a father and a racer, and then from a boy to a man. This team was my family’s stability when other parts of my life were shakey and even though we are moving on, I’m grateful for that.

“I want to thank everyone who was part of the team, sponsors and partners. I also want to personally thank Scott Bishop, Matt Ferry and Ray Howard – their support for me behind the scenes has been huge. I also want to thank Mike Ward, who was my mechanic for a long time. We worked very hard together to achieve a lot over the years and I’m very proud of that.

“Also I want to wish all the best to Rhys and Alex. You guys deserve to be where you are and I’ll always be nearby to help or mentor in the future. Not all endings are bad, sometimes things have to end for new doors to open. It’s time for a new beginning and I’m excited to bring you all along with me.

“I will still be with Yamaha, I will still be racing and I will announce my plans soon. Thank you Yamalube Yamaha Racing – it’s been one hell of a ride.”

With Yamaha’s factory seats all but filled locally – Serco Yamaha is yet to confirm its roster – it is unclear where Wilson’s future lies. He recently completed a winning appearance in the All-Japan series at Sugo, but it’s unknown if that has any links to his Yamalube team exit.