Suzuki pulls out but plans 2014 comeback

Suzuki has announced that it has departed MotoGP, ‘temporarily suspending’ its participation in the World Championship due to the global economic recession and natural disasters which have hit Japan this year, notably the earthquake of March.

A statement was released at 5pm Japanese time (GMT +9) on Friday, with Suzuki mentioning that the current plan is to return to MotoGP for 2014.

2011 has been a season of struggles for the Rizla-sponsored team

‘Suzuki Motor Corporation has decided to suspend temporarily its participation in FIM Road Racing Grand Prix MotoGP from 2012,’ the communiqué begins.

‘This suspension is to cope with tough circumstances mainly caused by the prolonged recession in developed countries, a 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.’