Suzuki Pulls Out of MotoGP

[Scotty]

Sad news; Press release from Suzuki Motor Corporation describing their temporary withdrawal from GP racing activities:

"This suspension is to cope with tough circumstances mainly caused by the prolonged recession in developed countries, an historical appreciation of Japanese Yen and repeated natural disasters.

Having an eye to returning to MotoGP in 2014, Suzuki will now focus on developing a competitive new racing machine for that class.

Suzuki will continue motocross racing activity and support of road racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles, by obtaining FIM homologation and co-operation with the supplier of its development racing kit parts."

[wiltshire builders]

Just what's needed, an even smaller grid. I can see why they've done it. They haven't had a competitive bike for years.
A wise man one said "drop a bomb on it and start again" ;D

[Mikkie1986]

Rubbish news to hear... Understand the reasoning for it though. Not a great year unless your name is Casey this year..... :-/

[Scotty]

All the same it is a shame after all their efforts over the season to gradually make the GSV-R more competitive and towards the end they were starting to get there. Looks like Hopper will have to go to WSB with Crescent - time for a quick check and lo and behold, he has done so.... MotoGP's loss is WSB's gain 8-)

[Morticia]

:'(

[Jon_W]

Not suprising. Moto Gp is an expensive hobby and suzuki have never really shone through. WSB and BSB use the bikes they sell in the showrooms and there is a better chance of them winning.

Hopefully they will be back one day.

[Geordie Stu]

Maybe another manufacturer will take their place. Aprillia perhaps...?

[Mark_Able]

MotoGP is going to be pretty cack next year. Although Suzuki haven't been competetive since Schwantz, they at least gave the other teams another bike to lap. ;D

I personally won't miss them, only because Paul Denning is such a cock. I used to work closely with him when I ran a training school in Poole, but he wouldn't think twice about blanking me whenever he saw me at a race meeting. Then again, he might have a point... :

[Scotty]

Although Suzuki haven't been competetive since Schwantz....

Er, overlooking the small matter of Kenny Roberts Jr winning the penultimate 500cc World Championship in 2000 on a Suzuki...

The way they managed to progress towards the end of this season was more impressive than that POS Ducati, even in the hands of the GOAT - from Indianapolis onwards, Rossi only out-qualified Bautista once; at Motegi, by one place. I think it's a real shame that they won't be there for the next couple of years at least, and the series is worse off for their absence, despite what you may think of Denning's personality deficiencies. :

[Mark_Able]

Oh yeah, forgot about JR... :-[

I was thinking it was more a testiment to Bautista's riding than the bike's abilities. But hey, who am I to pass comment. I just remember Chris Walker's title hopes being smashed by Crescent Suzuki... :