'Kawasaki Out Of MotoGp'

[Panther_99FS]

http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=316362

[wombat666]

I'm not suprised given their miserable performance in 2008 and their history in the premier class.
However, the 'poor economic climate' line is one way of jumping ship.
Be interesting if 'Hopper' is left out in the cold, Carmelo Ezpeleta's suggestion might throw him a lifeline.
In fact, Kawasaki really only came into MotoGP via a privateer run team in 2002.

Press Release
Kawasaki to suspend MotoGP racing activities
Friday, 09 January 2009
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has decided to suspend its factory MotoGP racing activities from the 2009 season.
Amid the 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 the 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 supported us.
Press release courtesy of Kawasaki Heavy Industries

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Dorna CEO Ezpeleta on Kawasaki withdrawal
Friday, 09 January 2009
Following Kawasaki´s announcement, confirming that the Japanese manufacturer would suspend its factory MotoGP activity, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has revealed that a Kawasaki privateer project is under consideration.
Prior to Kawasaki´s announcement regarding their withdrawal from MotoGP, Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of MotoGP Rights Holders Dorna Sports, met with representatives of the Japanese factory to acknowledge their decision and discuss the possibility of having Kawasaki machinery run by a privateer team.
`First of all, I would like to clarify the fact that what Kawasaki has suspended is its MotoGP racing activities through its factory team,´ stressed Mr Ezpeleta.
`We had a meeting in Osaka on Thursday (8th January) where Kawasaki explained their problems and the difficulties they had with continuing as a factory team,´ Mr Ezpeleta continued. `Under these circumstances we agreed to cooperate collectively, in order to find a possible solution to their problems which may allow them to continue as a privateer team.´
Kawasaki made their MotoGP debut in 2003 after a string of wildcard entries in the last races of the 2002 season. Since then the Akashi-based factory has secured three podium finishes, with Olivier Jacque second in China in 2005, Shinya Nakano also securing second in Holland the following year and finally in 2007, with Randy de Puniet taking his maiden MotoGP podium with second at Motegi.
Prior to their MotoGP effort, the Japanese factory had participated in the premier category of World Championship competition in two separate periods, firstly from 1970 to 1975, when Ginger Molloy finished runner-up in their first season. Dave Simmonds took victory at Jarama one year later to finish the series in fourth place overall, whilst Mick Grant clinched the Tourist Trophy in 1975.
The second chapter of Kawasaki´s 500cc experience came in a two-year period at the start of the 1980s. Kork Ballington was unable to add to their catalogue of victories but he did take two third place finishes in 1981.
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:gossip:

[wombat666]

PS: Call me cynical but I'd lay even money on Kawasaki developing a very effective MotoGP2 bike over the next two seasons.
With their excellent 600 Supersports race record and equally good bikes in the class it might be the way to go .......... :gossip:

[Ferry_vO]

So that leaves only sixteen bikes on the '09 starting grid..?

[Panther_99FS]

Sounds like the approximate number for the IRL at the moment...:help:


So that leaves only sixteen bikes on the '09 starting grid..?

[Ferry_vO]

F1 is down to 18 unless a buyer will be found for the former Honda team soon..

Good new for IRL is that Doornbos has signed for Newman/Haas/Lanigan for '09 according to rumours..

[wombat666]

Scot Racing Team MotoGP Ducati x1
Grupo Francisco Hernando Honda x1
Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha x2
Pramac Racing Ducati x2
Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati x2
San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda x2
LCR Honda MotoGP Honda x1
Tech 3 Yamaha Yamaha x2
Repsol Honda Team Honda x2
Plus the odd Wild Cards that run at selected events.
:faint:

Carmelo Ezpeleta might just talk Kawasaki into an 'Independant' team, as DORNA will be more than likely to offer a very large funding 'bonu' to help out, if not for Kawasaki, but to another outfit prepared to take on Hopkins and Melandri.
They do things different to EffWun in MotoGP, and a thin grid is not a good thing.

[demorier]

Maybe big events need cigarette sponsorship after all.