Re: Kawasaki Leaving MotoGP?????

Mrs James Toseland · by Mrs James Toseland on Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:09 pm

Kawasaki quits MotoGP?

By Matthew Birt
MotoGP
30 December 2008 12:08

Rumours are circulating that Kawasaki has shut down its factory MotoGP squad with immediate effect.

The move would leave Marco Melandri and American John Hopkins without a ride for 2009 and the MotoGP world championship down to a paltry entry of just 17 bikes.
The current global economic crisis is being cited as the reason for the decision for Kawasaki to quit the premier class after a disastrous 2008 campaign.
The Japanese factory failed to build on a promising maiden 800cc campaign with the ZX-RR a perennial backmarker in 2008. Hopkins plummeted from fourth in the rankings in ’07 to only 16th in an injury-hit campaign, while Aussie Anthony West had a torrid time and he was only 18th in the final world championship standings.
Although Japanese management had grown increasingly frustrated at the huge financial outlay for little return in terms of results, there had been no suggestion of a withdrawal for 2009.
The team had already completed two pre-season tests in Valencia and Phillip Island and work was moving forward at a rapid pace on the 2009 ZX-RR in readiness for a February debut in Sepang.
No official comment has yet been made by Kawasaki on the speculation concerning its MotoGP future.

In a recent interview with MCN, team manager Michael Bartholemy confirmed budget cuts had been enforced to counter the dramatic economic slowdown.
Speaking on how the credit crunch had impacted on Kawasaki and what it would mean for 2009, Bartholemy said: “We have approached it in a different way. People might think that for us to be more competitive we need to be spending more money. But we have to spend the same money that we spent in 2008 because everybody will reduce its budget. I have not asked them for more money, but we have heard that some manufacturers are cutting their budgets by as much as 20 to 25 per cent. So if we keep the budget then that means automatically that we will be getting closer. The outcome is though we had a cut, but we have compensated for that and it will not affect the development budget, which is crucial for us to try and move forward.”
So far Bartholemy has been unavailable for comment.

tammerz · by tammerz on Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:01 pm

Kawasaki silent on MotoGP withdrawal
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

31 December 2008 10:18

Kawasaki is remaining silent on shock plans to quit MotoGP with immediate effect.

News of the withdrawal broke yesterday (Tuesday) and threatens to plunge the MotoGP world championship into a major crisis heading into 2009, with Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta facing the prospect of a 17-rider field next season.

American John Hopkins confirmed he has been notified of Kawasaki’s decision to quit, citing the global economic crisis and a disastrous 2008 campaign for its reason to withdraw.

MCN understands all team personnel were notified on December 29, though it is unclear when senior Japanese management took the decision to pull the plug on the costly MotoGP project.

It was certainly after December 16 when the FIM published the 2009 entry list, which featured Hopkins and Italian Marco Melandri.

There has still been no official confirmation from Kawasaki about its withdrawal, which would make the Japanese company another major casualty of the financial meltdown.

Honda recently quit Formula One and Subaru and Suzuki pulled out of the world rally series because of the credit crunch.

Team boss Michael Bartholemy has refused to comment on Kawasaki’s current plight, but MCN understands he is frantically working on a rescue plan to continue racing.

And team spokesman Ian Wheeler has also declined to comment with no official statement as yet released from Japan.

A formal announcement is expected early next week.

tammerz · by tammerz on Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:06 pm

MotoGP » Kawasaki poised to quit MotoGP?
Tuesday, 30th December 2008

Kawasaki are thought to be preparing to announce their exit from MotoGP.
Kawasaki look poised to announce a withdrawal from MotoGP with immediate effect over the next week.

According to several sources, Kawasaki are plotting an exit from the premier motorcycle class after just six seasons in the top flight, although it isn't immediately certain whether the global economic downturn or their poor results are the primary factor in the decision.

Indeed, while Kawasaki has shown flashes of speed over the years with Randy de Puniet, Shinya Nakano and Olivier Jacque all getting close to a victory with a second place finish apiece, the team is regularly considered to be the 'fifth' best manufacturer team.

Their issues were compounded in 2008 when the combination of John Hopkins and Anthony West managed a best of fifth place each, helping Kawasaki to ninth place in the ten-strong team championship, ahead of only the one-man LCR Honda outfit.

Nonetheless, as a sign of how quickly this decision has come, preparations for 2009 were seemingly well underway, with Hopkins and new team-mate, Ducati exile Marco Melandri, out testing earlier this month in Australia.

However, despite the inclusion of a GP winner to their line-up, it seems Kawasaki will become another major name to scale back their involvement in motorsport, following on from Japanese counterparts Honda, Suzuki and Subaru.

Indeed, despite their limited success over the years, the loss of one of the most distinctive entrants is a major blow to the series, not least because it lowers the number of official MotoGP entries to just 17 next year.

Furthermore, it isn't clear what this will mean for the team's World Superbike effort, which has also struggled in recent seasons. They recently announced that their bikes will be run under the Paul Bird Motorsport banner in 2009.

tassiedevil · by tassiedevil on Sat Jan 03, 2009 10:47 am

Holy Shit !

Wonder what hopper will do..

I'm a race official again in about 3 weeks at phillip island

tammerz · by tammerz on Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:05 pm

tass i read that Moviestar & Monster are working to sponsor a 3rd bike for Suzuki maybe.....but it looks like marco is out in the cold

tammerz · by tammerz on Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:11 pm

John Hopkins still waiting on Kawasaki
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

01 January 2009 13:00

American John Hopkins is still waiting for official confirmation that Kawasaki will plunge the MotoGP world championship into crisis by withdrawing its factory team from the 2009 season.

Kawasaki has signalled its intention to quit with immediate effect with team personnel all told on December 29 that the team would fold.

Hopkins though is still waiting on clarification of Kawasaki’s plans; with the Japanese factory as yet to release any official statement concerning its future plans.

In a message posted on his personal website to fans on New Year’s Eve, Hopkins said: “As you all know, everything is up in the air and people want answers.

"Everything from here is now in my manager’s hands. I have read nearly all articles posted and I find it absolutely crazy how people are stating that I have announced this or said that when in fact I have avoided phone-calls from the media until time permits.

"There will be an official press release very soon, where we can confirm or deny all rumours. I will let you all now as soon as I get the go ahead. I just wanted to say thank you for all your support through this year and now.”

An official statement is expected from Kawasaki next Monday.

Hopkins’ manager Bob Moore has so far refused to comment on the situation.

LilSmiler46 · by LilSmiler46 on Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:45 pm

I really hope Hopper gets a ride...from somewhere...anywhere!!
Hope what you say is true Tam!
I can't believe all of this is going on now with the start of the GP practically around the corner....well, maybe not around the corner but at least we are actually in the new year now!

tammerz · by tammerz on Sun Jan 04, 2009 9:16 pm

Jorge Martinez from the Aspar team in 250 and 125's is also trying to work out a deal to keep them going, so there are things in the works
we can only hope!

tammerz · by tammerz on Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:09 am

Tech 3 Yamaha boss dismisses John Hopkins move
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

05 January 2009 13:41

Tech 3 Yamaha team manager Herve Poncharal has categorically denied considering bringing in John Hopkins to partner James Toseland for the 2009 MotoGP campaign.

Rumours circulated that Hopkins was being considered an option to replace fellow American Colin Edwards in the French-based squad following the collapse of Kawasaki’s factory team during the Christmas break.

Hopkins is still waiting on an official announcement from Kawasaki about its plans, but he has been informed of Kawasaki’s intentions to quit with immediate effect.
Poncharal though has quickly quashed his hopes of a move to Tech 3 Yamaha.

He told MCN: “I saw this rumour on the internet, but there is no possibility of John being a Tech 3 Yamaha rider in 2009. We have signed contracts with James and Colin and they will be our riders for 2009, there is absolutely no doubt about that.

"Changing our line-up for the forthcoming season is simply not under consideration and not an option. We are very happy with James and Colin and we are looking forward to another successful 2009 season with both of them.”

tammerz · by tammerz on Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:14 am

Lucio Cecchinello rules out Marco Melandri swoop
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

05 January 2009 15:38

LCR Honda team boss Lucio Cecchinello has told MCN he won’t be offering Marco Melandri a MotoGP lifeline in 2009.

Former world 250 champion Melandri is frantically searching for a ride following the shock demise of Kawasaki’s factory team.No official announcement has been released by Kawasaki in Japan, but Melandri is already exploring alternative options and his manager Alberto Vergani has contacted Fausto Gresini and Lucio Cecchinello about a ride in their satellite Honda squads.

Melandri was checking out the option of running one of two bikes allocated to either Alex de Angelis in the Gresini squad or to French rider Randy de Puniet in Cecchinello’s Monaco-based team.

Cecchinello has confirmed Vergani approached him after news of Kawasaki’s withdrawal broke on December 29.

But he has ruled out letting Melandri ride one RC212V in his squad while de Puniet has to make do with only one of the two bikes he expected to ride.

Cecchinello has ruled out a swoop for former MotoGP runner-up Melandri though for several reasons.

He told MCN: “I was approached by Melandri’s manager about him riding for me in 2009. But this won’t happen for several reasons. The first is the budget. To find a budget to fund a second rider is very difficult, particularly with the current economic situation, and it is hard to find a sponsor willing to pay for Melandri when you consider the season he had last year.

"Secondly, and I haven’t spoken to Honda about this, but I am 99.9 per cent certain that Honda would not agree to Melandri having the use of one bike. This would mean HRC would need extra engines and therefore more spare parts and the maintenance would also increase.

"This is a time when Honda is looking to reduce its costs and not spend more money. Thirdly it comes down to the team personnel as well and finding mechanics at this late stage. So I don’t think there is any chance that Melandri can join my team.”

Melandri has also been linked with the Scot Honda squad in a similar share deal where he would use one of the two bikes allocated to Japanese rookie Yuki Takahashi.

valegirl46 · by valegirl46 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 12:13 pm

Poor Marco, I really hope he manages to find a ride this year Crying or Very sad

tammerz · by tammerz on Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:10 pm

me too, he finally gets out from under the duke, literally, and then this happens

tassiedevil · by tassiedevil on Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:52 am

awww poor Marco Crying or Very sad

If he didn't have bad luck he'd have no luck at all..

Even all the spots at world superbikes are taken up..

tammerz · by tammerz on Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:10 pm

MotoGP » Kawasaki rumours rumble on.
Wednesday, 7th January 2009

Kawasaki stay silent a week after news first broke of their plans to withdraw from MotoGP.

The saga of whether Kawasaki will remain in MotoGP continues on this week with the rumour mill shifting to the future of riders John Hopkins and Marco Melandri.

The Japanese manufacturer was strongly rumoured to have announced their withdrawal from the series earlier this week, but with the ‘deadline' passing and no word emerging from the ‘Team Green' camp, some hopes have been raised that a rescue deal may be sought.

Although it is still expected that Kawasaki are planning to end their manufacturer involvement in MotoGP, the delay in confirming it is rumoured to stem from a possible deal involving Jorge Martinez's Aspar concern.

As revealed earlier this week, Martinez claims to have been contacted by series organisers Dorna, who are determined to maintain Kawasaki's presence in the series, even if it is not in a works capacity.

The options could see Martinez take up the running of the two bikes Kawasaki has already spent time and money developing for 2009 (albeit not fully), although the identity of the riders will undoubtedly come down to who gets the most sponsorship space.

Between Hopkins and Melandri, Hopkins comes with heavy backing from American energy drink company Monster, making him a tempting candidate for the teams currently fighting the global economic crisis. Linked with Tech 3 Yamaha in place of Colin Edwards, Superbike Planet are reporting that Hopkins could still ride a Kawasaki in 2009, albeit in the AMA Superbike Championship - provided the team commits to an entry.

Melandri, meanwhile, is thought to be more of a concern for Dorna, who are keen to keep him in the series, despite his disastrous season with Ducati. With less money to bring to the table than Hopkins, Corriere dello Sport report that it is up to Dorna to arrange something for him to stay in the series.

Both Hopkins and Melandri's options seem very limited, with MotoGP having already posted a provisional entry list and no team seemingly wanting to commit to a second or third bike in a time of economic hardship.

The World Superbike Championship has been mooted, particularly for Melandri as it would be likely that FG Sport would aid his attempts at securing a top ride, but with all of the top seats filled (barring a financially-aided expansion), both riders could be facing a season on the sidelines.

tammerz · by tammerz on Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:14 pm

MotoGP » Kawasaki speak: No decision made yet.
Wednesday, 7th January 2009

Kawasaki finally admit they are considering quitting MotoGP, but are still unable to confirm anything.

Kawasaki has seemingly broken its silence over the rumours they are withdrawing from MotoGP by claiming that no decision has been formally made yet.

A week since news first broke that they were on the verge of quitting the series, owing to the global economic crisis, an anonymous source has apparently revealed for the first time that it is ‘under consideration'.

According to Agent France Presse, Kawasaki are still in the process of evaluating whether it would be worth pulling out having already sunk a considerable amount of money in securing riders John Hopkins and Marco Melandri, as well as developing the 2009-specification bike.

"The issue is under consideration," the source said. "We have made no decision. We are in contact with parties concerned so that we can decide our future course of action.”

Those ‘parties concerned' could be Jorge Martinez, who is touted to be taking on the team under the semi-works Aspar banner.

Indeed, with Dorna determined to keep up the numbers on the grid to a respectable level, the retention of Kawasaki as a fifth manufacturer is crucial in their plans, particularly as the economic downturn is expected to grip the sport further into 2009.

The withdrawal of Kawasaki Heavy Industries would see them join Japanese counterparts Honda, Suzuki and Subaru in scaling back their motorsport plans this year in a bid to ride out the storm.