MotoGP: Suzuki confirm their intention to leave MotoGP

After the Jerez test last week rumours spread that Suzuki would leave MotoGP at the end of the year. This shocked fans as Suzuki only returned to the paddock full time in 2015 after leaving at the end of 2011. Since returning the Hamamatsu factory have won five races and a riders world championship in 2020.

Today Suzuki addressed the rumours for the first time and said this:

“Suzuki Motor Corporation is in discussions with Dorna regarding the possibility of ending its participation in MotoGP at the end of 2022.

Unfortunately, the current economical situation and the need to concentrate its effort on the big changes that the Automotive world is facing in these years, are forcing Suzuki to shift costs and human resources to develop new technologies.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our Suzuki Ecstar Team, to all those who have supported Suzuki’s motorcycle racing activities for many years and to all Suzuki fans who have given us their enthusiastic support.”

Suzuki have clearly been struggling economically since the COVID-19 pandemic. If Suzuki do leave MotoGP it will be a big loss for the sport. However, I would expect them to return in the future.

There is still hope that Suzuki could stay for a while longer. This hope is generated around a statement from Dorna last week in response to Suzuki supposedly leaving MotoGP.

If Suzuki do leave MotoGP then there are two big questions that will be created. Who will replace them and where will Mir and Rins go to?

Find out our opinions in future articles and on the Superbike Show here on Motorsport Radio.

Image from MotoGP.com