Of the seven manufacturer and four semi works teams, only six riders from a probable 14 have been fully confirmed and, as a result, there are several good seats still up for grabs.

Ducati Xerox
Noriyuki Haga - Confirmed
Michel Fabrizio - Confirmed

So far, the team was the first to confirm that it would stick with the same line-up for 2010 and although Haga was tipped for retirement, the Japanese will be back for another year while his team mate Michel Fabrizio, who has made considerable strides in 2009, winning no less than two races, was an obvious choice to remain.

Yamaha Sterilgarda
James Toseland - Confirmed
Cal Crutchlow - Confirmed

Ben Spies’ departure and Tom Sykes’ lack of results have forced Yamaha to embark on another completely new line-up in 2010. Ex-MotoGP rider James Toseland returns to challenge for a third world title and will be joined by fellow Briton Cal Crutchlow, whose outstanding debut season in the World Supersport category has been justly rewarded with a ride on a factory R1.

Ten Kate Honda
Jonathan Rea - Confirmed
Carlos Checa - ??

No surprise here, as Ten Kate Honda are holding on Jonathan Rea for another two seasons, after the Irishman had a promising rookie season in WSBK. with two wins. Rea's team-mate hasn't yet been revealed but Carlos Checa – who has been having a good run of form lately – could well be back for another year.

Aprilia
Max Biaggi - ??
Alex de Angelis - Leon Camier - ??

No confirmed rider at Aprilia for 2010, but you can bet that frontrunner Max Biaggi will return for 2010 to continue his good work. With injured Shinya Nakano probably on his way out, there is an opening with the team. British Superbike ace Leon Camier is in the ranks for the ride, as is Alex de Angelis, who is probably out of MotoGP and has already signalled his desire to get into Superbikes.

Suzuki
Leon Haslam – Almost confirmed
Max Neukirchner- Tom Sykes - ??

Suzuki is expected to announce the arrival of Leon Haslam soon, particularly in light of the Briton's recent split from Stiggy Racing. No decision yet for the second rider in light of the injuries to highly-rated Max Neukirchner. If the team is convinced he can race without putting himself at further risk, he is expected to join Haslam. If not, Tom Sykes could be called in to rekindle his relationship with the manufacturer.

BMW
Troy Corser – Expected to be confirmed
Ruben Xaus – Expected to be confirmed

BMW is almost certain to retain Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus, following the recent good form of the team, as the Germans are unlikely to upset the development progress by introducing a new rider.

Kawasaki SRT
Chris Vermeulen - Confirmed
Tom Sykes - Shane Byrne - Broc Parkes - ??

MotoGP race winner Chris Vermeulen confirmed his switch to Superbikes with Kawasaki, as the team and factory get set to invest more time and money into its operation. For the second ride, Tom Sykes seems to be in the lead against such names as Shane Byrne and Broc Parkes.

Stiggy Racing
John Hopkins - ?

After being the stand-out independent outfit this year, Stiggy Racing was about to confirm a switch to customer Yamahas for 2010, but financial backer – S2 – has now withdrawn funding. While the plan is still to race next year, it remains to be seen if they can keep hold of John Hopkins, having already released Haslam.

Sterilgarda Ducati
Rumours abounded that the team would not be able to finish the 2009 season, but they say that they will, then announce an optimistic plan for 2010.

Guandalini Ducati
Jakub Smrz - ?

The team recently announced that Jakub Smrz had re-signed, but the Czech rider has refuted that claim.

DFX Corse
Regis Laconi - ?

After an impressive performance with Ducati machinery, the team is expected to return with the recovering Regis Laconi




Photo Credit : WSBK