Kawasaki suspends MotoGP activity in 2009
January 10th, 2009After much discussion, debate and rumour, Kawasaki have withdrawn from the 2009 MotoGP season.
This is something of a serious blow to the grid, let alone the fortunes of Hopkins and Melandri. Details of the cost to Kawasaki of withdrawal will emerge over the next few weeks, but for now, here is the full text of the press release:
“Tokyo, January 9, 2009 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has decided to suspend its factory MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season.
Amid quickly changing business environment, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with the situation. As the world economy is not likely to recover in a short period due to the major impact of the financial crisis, Kawasaki decided to suspend its MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season onward and reallocate management resources more efficiently.
Kawasaki will continue racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles as well as supporting general race-oriented customers.
Kawasaki would like to thank all the fans and all those who have forwarded us great help.
Mr.Yoshio Kawamura, the Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Racing B.V. deeply appreciates the contribution and the dedication brought by staff members of the MotoGP team.”
Come back soon Team Green.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Hey, Rob!
Long time no see!
How have you been?
And yes, it’s pathetic to see Kawasaki waving bye-bye to MotoGP without even accomplishing an ounce of what they dreamt of. At least, this year’s was geared up to turn the tables on the compatition to some level courtesy Hopper and Melandri.
Good that none of the other manufacturers followed suit. Had Honda did an encore of Kawasaki, MotoGP would have had a catastrophic consequence. Thankfully, they decide to stay put.
Looks like Melandri has made up his mind to take a year off. No news about Hopper’s decision, still. Don’t know whom to square the blame upon.
Any info on Kawasakis run by privateers?
February 1st, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Hi Rodeobiker!
It’s still not clear whether we’ll see any Kawasaki bikes on the grid this year, green or otherwise. If anyone can pull it off, Bartholemy can. It looks like Jacque will be riding the official bike in Australia shortly - who knows what might happen after that?
Welcome back and here’s to a 19-bike grid in 2009.