What has been rumoured for several weeks has been announced on Friday morning: The Kawasaki MotoGP team will pull out of the sport with immediate effect. The Japanese bike manufacturer made its official announcement via a press release.
A statement spread by Kawasaki explained that '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 Racing Team news | |
|---|---|
| 25 Mar. | Hopkins to race in WSB Valencia round |
| 26 Feb. | Kawasaki to start 2009 season with Melandri |
| 31 Dec. '08 | Hopkins waiting for Kawasaki's future |
| 16 Dec. '08 | Provisional 2009 entry list released |
| 08 Dec. '08 | Successful surgery for Hopkins |
| 23 Oct. '08 | West hopes to return to MotoGP one day |
| 14 Sep. '08 | Kawasaki confirms Melandri for 2009 |
| 20 Aug. '08 | Melandri confirms Kawasaki move |
| 10 Jul. '08 | 'The Hacker' to debut at Laguna Seca |
| 07 Jul. '08 | Hopkins ruled out for two races |
| 27 Jun. '08 | Broken ankle for Hopkins |
| 08 Jun. '08 | Injured Hopkins happy with top ten |
| More Kawasaki Racing Team news, Photos | |