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January 10th, 2009After much discussion, debate and rumour, Kawasaki have withdrawn from the 2009 MotoGP season.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.
