MULTI World trials champion Dougie Lampkin has quit the Montesa factory team and teamed up with Beta as he goes in search of a record breaking eighth outdoor title.

Lampkin, who rode for the importers, Sandifords of Burnley, has agreed terms to join the Italian team for the 2008 season.

And it's a case of friends reunited for Lampkin, who will contest the Indoor World series and the Outdoor World championship The hugely popular Yorkshireman won three outdoor world titles with Beta, from 1997-1999 During the last three seasons, Dougie has spearheaded Montesa' four stroke factory development project, which reaped its full fruition when his team mate Toni Bou won both World titles earlier this year.

"It seems strange to be leaving Montesa after such a long and very successful relationship, but like all good things they have to come to an end," said Lampkin.

"I'm looking forward and to the new season. I can't do that without first taking this opportunity to thank all of my mechanics and the rest of the team for all their help and support during what has been a great period of my career.

"I would like to conclude by wishing them good luck for the future."