Suzuki set to quit MotoGP

Added on Monday, November 14th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Rizla Suzuki looks set to pull out of MotoGP after failing to meet a deadline for committing to the 2012 championship.

Suzuki, who scaled back their operations to just one rider in 2011 as a cost cutting measure, have not met a deadline set by Dorna to confirm to the 2012 season, making it likely that they will withdraw from the championship.

Whilst no official announcement has been made, GPWeek has reported that team manager Paul Denning had emailed staff to inform them that the team would not be competing in 2012.

In the email Denning said there is hope that the manufacturer will return to racing in 2014, with the manufacturer continuing development on their 1000cc prototype. Suzuki are rumoured to have two engine configurations for the bike, a V4 like the current GSV-R and an inline-four – which the Japanese manufacturer may use in another project.

Last week, Alvaro Bautista left the Suzuki team to move to Gresini Honda, with Randy de Puniet testing the Suzuki in Valencia, although it is believed that this was more of a “consultancy” role.

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