Suzuki confirm MotoGP drop-out
Added on Friday, November 18th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Suzuki confirm MotoGP drop-out
Suzuki has confirmed that it has dropped out of the MotoGP championship, announcing a “temporary” withdrawal from the championship, to be reviewed in 2014.
The announcement was widely expected after Suzuki failed to commit to the championship by a deadline imposed by Dorna Sports last week, along with reports that staff had been told that Suzuki would not race in 2012.
In a statement, Suzuki Motor Corporation cited the prolonged global recession, the strength of the Yen against other Western currencies and the impact of natural disasters in Suzuki’s key Asian markets.
“Suzuki Motor Corporation has decided to suspend temporarily its participation in FIM Road Racing Grand Prix MotoGP from 2012,” read a statement.
“This suspension is to cope with tough circumstances mainly caused by the prolonged recession in developed countries, a historical appreciation of Japanese Yen and repeated natural disasters.
“Having an eye to returning to MotoGP in 2014, Suzuki will now focus on developing a competitive new racing machine for that class.
“Suzuki will continue motocross racing activity and support of road racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles, by obtaining FIM homologation and co-operation with the supplier of its development racing kit parts.”
