BIKE ace Darren Barton has spoken of the 'disagreements' which forced him to quit the British 250cc championship and split with Mark Hodgson's RCD Motorsport team.

The Darwen racer decided to quit just one race into the 1998 championship after winning the 125cc championship last year.

And he is now considering his future after a difference of opinion with team boss Hodgson over his disappointing start to the new campaign forced him out.

"We've basically had a disagreement with each other," said Barton. "I did not get on with the guy on a professional level like I did last year.

"We were both disappointed by the start but you've got to work together to get the bike right."

Barton finished in 13th at Brands Hatch in the first round back in March.

But problems with how the bike was set up and a lack of opportunities to do testing over the winter were decisive factors in his poor start.

"The only testing we did was in Britain at a time when temperatures were down to about five degrees.

"By the time we got to the first race the temperatures had risen making racing a different proposition," said Barton.

Despite the split, Barton has denied reports of a fall out and stressed the pair parted on amicable terms.

"We've not fallen out over it.

"It could now be next year before I ride again."

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