Yamaha is considering suing International Racers—the management team that negotiates for some of the top names in the sport—for its tactics in the recent Nicky Hayden sweepstakes, according to media reports that quote Yamaha racing boss Lin Jarvis.

For those that have been living under a rock for the past few weeks: Hayden re-upped with Honda after prolonged negotiations with Yamaha. In fact, the rumor mill claimed Tuning Fork boys had indeed signed Hayden to a Grand Prix deal, only to lose him when Honda exercised their right of first refusal. The end result was that Honda kept their man, Hayden got his coveted MotoGP ride, and Yamaha ... well, ended up with nothing.

Jarvis now claims that Yamaha was never informed during the negotiations that Honda had the right to match any other offers for Hayden.

The Hayden matter could become the biggest motorcycle racing contract hullaballoo since Scott Russell dumped Kawasaki for Lucky Strike Suzuki in 1995.

It has been a rough few months for Yamaha. First the company split with longtime sponsor Marlboro, then announced a parting of the ways with rider Max Biaggi. Biaggi, now signed with Pramac Honda for next season, responded by winning the Czech GP and pole for this weekend's Brazilian race.

The potential lawsuit could also put Yamaha in a rough spot, since one of the best unsigned MotoGP riders still available is American Kenny Roberts, Jr. Roberts is represented by—you guessed it—International Racers, Inc.

Editor's Note: Published reports report that Yamaha is now considering signing a young rider or "an existing rider" for their 2003 GP team, the latter of which will be a cruel blow to all non-existing riders.