Kawasaki confirm MotoGP pullout
January 9th, 2009 phix
The Kawasaki Racing Team has confirmed its immediate pullout from the premier grand prix motorcycle racing class, MotoGP. The news of the pullout was leaked long before Christmas but this is the first official announcement pertaining to it. The world economic situation was cited as the primary reason for the pullout but poor performances by the team was no doubt a factor as well. Since Kawasaki’s return in 2003 they had yet to win a grand prix however they did land a few podiums.
All is not bleak, however, as the 125cc and 250cc Aspar outfit is looking to take over the MotoGP operation and run the factory bikes with the Kawasaki Racing Team riders John Hopkins and new signee/Ducati refugee Marco Melandri. Now, it’s just a waiting game to see if any sort of rescue deal does come to fruition.