CARL Fogarty's former trusted mechanic Anthony Bass is again out of work just a month into the new superbikes season.

Bass, better known as Slick, was sacked by Ducati before the start of the new World Superbike campaign.

He took up a position with British Superbike outfit Level 3, run by Ray Stringer.

But that arrangement has already fallen apart, to Fogarty's dismay as the two had worked together for seven years.

He said: "I have spoken to Slick and he said they were having some problems in the team.

"It all seemed a bit last minute and they didn't really have time to get it all together in time for the season.

"They were rushing around and breaking down in testing.

"I don't know if they were blaming Slick, but he's the one that's gone.

"He wasn't exactly sacked, but he didn't exactly quit either.

"Unfortunately, it's not a surprise to me anymore.

"I'd just like to see him sort himself out and get back working with engines as he does not seem to have adapted to the rest of the stuff that goes with working in a team."