On May 2, 2022, smack dab in the middle of the MotoGP and EWC Grand Prix seasons, Japanese manufacturer Suzuki pulled out of factory GP racing. Rumours and speculation circulating in the paddock leading up to the news, leaving onlookers shocked.
It has been a long time coming, but today the largest motorcycle manufacturer announced it is withdrawing from MotoGP and step-up series WorldSSP.
Its participation will end four years earlier than planned, meaning that till 2026 the Suzuki factory team had signed an agreement to keep themselves in MotoGP.
The move comes after several months of negotiations between Dorna and Suzuki, with Suzuki finally pulling out of Endurance World Championship (EWC).
Here is what the press release says
Will continue to race in the 2022 MotoGP and EWC championships, maintaining our maximum efforts to win the remaining races. We aim to continue supporting our customers’ racing activities through our global distributor network.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to all Suzuki fans who have given us their enthusiastic support and those who have supported Suzuki’s motorcycle racing activities for many years.
Quote from Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President
“Suzuki has decided to end the participation of MotoGP and EWC in the face of the need to re-allocate resources to other initiatives for sustainability. Motorcycle racing has always been challenging for technological innovation, including sustainability and human resource development.
This decision means we will challenge building the new motorcycle business operation by redirecting the technological capabilities and human resources we have cultivated through motorcycle racing activities to investigate other routes for a sustainable society.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our fans, riders and all stakeholders who joined us and enthusiastically supported us from the development stage since we returned to MotoGP racing.
“I will continue to do my best to support Alex Rins, Joan Mir, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR and YOSHIMURA SERT MOTUL to compete competitively until the end of the season.
“Thank you for your kind support.”
via Suzuki
