Kawasaki fans have generally avoided the gloom-and-doom of the Global Economic Crisis. Until now, that is.
Spain’s Motociclismo magazine announced on December 30 that Kawasaki has confirmed it is leaving MotoGP competition. That means Italian Marco Melandri and American John Hopkins will both be without a factory ride this year. It will also be a blow to MotoGP organizer Dorna, who will be down to four factory teams – as long as nobody else bows out.
Kawasaki’s throwing of the towel shouldn’t be that big of a shock, however. Since joining the MotoGP circus in 2003, Kawasaki has struggled with an uncompetitive bike and only managed a few podium finishes. Hopkins and his 2008 teammate, Aussie Tony West, finished 16th and 18th, respectively, in last year’s championship.
We anticipate an official announcement from Kawasaki on Monday the 5th , so stay tuned for more information.
