Kawasaki Makes It Official: No MotoGP in 2009

Confirming rumors reported earlier on MD, Kawasaki has now officially announced it will not participate in MotoGP for 2009. The following press release from Kawasaki does not address the status of its two signed riders, John Hopkins and Marco Melandri, but they will undoubtedly receive settlements on their contractual commitment from Kawasaki.

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.

Sources: www.motorcycledaily.com