Another one bites the dust: Kawasaki withdraws from MotoGP

Posted on January 9th, 2009 by Luke DiSomma | Posted under: Industry news, Motorcycles/Scooters, motorsports

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The list keeps growing. Audi and Porsche from ALMS, Honda from F1, Subaru and Suzuki fro WRC, and now it’s official, Kawasaki has left MotoGP. Officially, Kawasaki is saying that they are suspending their MotoGP program due to, that’s right, the overall global economy. Kawasaki will continue to race in other series that use mass-produced bikes and will also continue to support race customers.

This leaves riders John Hopkins and Marco Melandri potentially without a ride this season. Although, efforts are underway for 125cc and 250cc team Aspar to take over Kawasaki’s program for the 2009 MotoGP season.

Even though Kawasaki finished last in the standings last season and had not scored a victory since returning to MotoGP in 2003, they will be missed on the grid. The team had a renewed energy with the addition of Melandri and a healthy Hopkins. Unfortunately they will never see what might have been. I must say that this is a blow to the series, and it’s sad to see factory squads pull out of major racing series. It’s been a strange and dismal off-season for motorsport fans. Let’s hope for a revitalized racing season ahead, no matter what series you may follow. And no more funerals!