Despite all the edging by team manager Paul Denning, Suzuki has officially confirmed that they will slashing their MotoGP team efforts to only one bike in 2o11.
The rumors have been rife over the last months, with Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta talking to the Japanese manufacturer trying to hold them to their contractual obbligations, but the economic crisis coupled with the team’s terrible results have forced Suzuki to think over their expenditures in something like racing.
Even the Alstare Suzuki team run by Francis Batta, who is on top of the game in World Superbikes, has cut down to one rider for the 2011 season due to Suzuki’s lack of interest and unwillingness to help the team financially (Batta’s complaints have been heard far and wide).
Whether Dorna will take legal action against Suzuki or find a temporary and creative solution like they did when Kawasaki pulled out or believe Suzuki’s word that they’ll be back in 2012 with two bikes when the championship returns to the 1000cc format, remains to be seen.
Press release after the jump.
Suzuki Motor Corporation wishes to thank all customers and race fans who supported the Suzuki MotoGP Team in 2010.
With the experience and knowledge gained in 2010 the Suzuki MotoGP Team will move forward with great passion and effort in search of glory in 2011.
The Suzuki MotoGP Team will participate in 2011 with a single rider, Alvaro Bautista.
Alvaro joined the team in 2010 and made good progress with GSV-R, the Suzuki Grand Prix machine, improving his results throughout the season.
Suzuki will continue to make the best use of the short time to the start of the 2011 MotoGP season to develop the GSV-R machine for this, the pinnacle class of motorcycle racing, and we thank all Suzuki customers and race fans for their continued support.
Suzuki Motor CorporationNovember, 8th 2010