Motorsport: Bitter Biaggi blames Honda for no ride

Italian Max Biaggi recognised bitterly yesterday that he will not compete in this year's MotoGP championship.

The Italian, a four-times 250cc world champion and determined foe of dominant compatriot Valentino Rossi, blamed Honda for his failure to secure a ride after a disappointing 2005.

"I have been put in this terrible situation by Honda and therefore I won't participate in the 2006 MotoGP championship," the 34-year-old said on his website.

Biaggi, replaced by 20-year-old Spanish sensation Dani Pedrosa at the official Repsol Honda team, said he was now looking at world superbikes but hinted also at a possible switch to racing on four wheels.