Kawasaki may quit MotoGP

Added on Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

The Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki will withdraw from the MotoGP World Championship imminently, according to sources in Italy and Spain. Sources claim that the withdrawal of the team will take place before the start of the 2009 season and an announcement is likely to take place on January 5th 2009.

After returning to MotoGP in 2003 and only completing six seasons in the top flight, it is possible that disappointing results or the impact of the global economic crisis have been major factors in the decision to withdraw the team from Moto GP. The announcement on 5th January should see Kawasaki confirm the details as to why this decision has reportedly been made.

If Kawasaki is to withdraw its team, it will leave Moto GP with just four factory teams competing; in stark contrast to the World Superbike Championship which has gained two teams in the form of Aprilla and BMW.

If a decision is made, Melandri and Hopkins will be without a ride for the upcoming season. It is a disappointing outcome for Kawasaki whose return to MotoGP was hoped to create the possibility of becoming regular contenders. The promising signing of Hopkins from Suzuki earlier this year was blighted by a succession of injuries for the rider.

Despite rumours that the team and staff have already been informed, Melandri has denied knowing anything about any impending decision, commenting:

“I have to wait and hear some words, as at the moment I hear nothing….if it is true, then I can only hope that when I wake up on January 1st it is all a nightmare.”

If Kawasaki do indeed quit MotoGP, they will be the next in line following from the example of other Japanese manufacturers; Honda, Subaru and Suzuki who have all reduced their involvement in motorsport.

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