Company pins exit on global economic woesKawasaki announced today that it has decided to suspend its factory MotoGP racing activities with immediate effect.
"Amid a quickly changing business environment, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with
the situation," the firm said in a statement.
"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 said it will continue racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles as well as supporting general race-oriented customers.
Kawasaki was keen to thank all the fans while Kawasaki Motors Racing MD Yoshio Kawamura stated that he 'appreciates the contribution and the dedication brought by staff members of the MotoGP team.'
Kawasaki's decision follows Honda's exit from Formula One as well as Suzuki and Subaru from the World Rally Championship.
