Rennie Scaysbrook | July 14, 2022
The Suzuki Motor Corporation has finally reached an agreement with MotoGP commercial rights holder, Dorna, to formally withdraw from MotoGP competition at the end of the 2022 season.
Suzuki had made the bombshell announcement of its intention to quit the sport at the conclusion of the Jerez MotoGP test back in May, although Dorna stated the decision could not be made “unilaterally”, as the company had signed a contract at the start of this season that would keep them in MotoGP until the end of 2026.
Mir splashes through the wet at Assen. It’s officially no more from Suzuki in MotoGP and EWC in 2023.
Suzuki and Dorna have no come to an undisclosed agreement with Dorna (one which likely includes a financial penalty) to leave the series after the Valencia MotoGP. The company has also stated it intends to leave the Endurance World Championship (EWC), the series in which they are the current World Champions with the French-based Suzuki Endurance Racing Team.
“Suzuki has decided to end the participation of MotoGP and EWC in the face of the need to re-allocate resources on other initiatives for sustainability,” said Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President for the Suzuki Motor Corporation. “Motorcycle racing has always been a challenging place for technological innovation, including sustainability, and human resource development. This decision means that we will take on the challenge to build the new motorcycle business operation by redirecting the technological capabilities and human resources we have cultivated through the 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.”
Suzuki To Quit MotoGP Racing At The End of 2022 (Updated)
Suzuki Motor USA has sent out a document outlining its commitment to the American motorcycle and powersports market following the company’s decision to depart from MotoGP competition at the end of 2022.
In it, Kerry Graeber, Vice President and Division Manager of MC/ATV Sales and Marketing, states that Suzuki will still continue to produce motorcycle and ATV products and will continue with its racing programs in MotoAmerica, AMA Supercross/Motocross, and NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.
The news of Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP sent shockwaves throughout not just the MotoGP paddock but the global motorcycle and powersports industry as a whole, with many questioning whether Suzuki was going to pull out of motorcycle manufacturing completely.
The below release was sent to media outlets across North America.
Suzuki Motor USA has reaffirmed its commitment to domestic racing following the company’s decision to leave MotoGP.
“Last week, reports came out that Suzuki would be exiting the MotoGP World Championship at the end of the current season. Based on the official announcement that has been made by Suzuki Motor Corporation on May 12, we would like to clarify the situation to avoid further inaccurate rumors and conjecture.
“Here is where the situation currently stands:
“Suzuki Motor Corporation is, in fact, exploring leaving MotoGP at the end of 2022 and is negotiating with series organizer DORNA on an exit plan. This decision has been made in light of the changing market environment and is part of a strategy to allocate resources to ensure the health and vibrancy of Suzuki’s overall business — particularly in the areas of sustainability, carbon neutrality, and alternative fuel technologies. Like all companies, Suzuki is adjusting to a rapidly changing world.
“This business decision does not undermine Suzuki’s dedication and commitment to its motorcycle and ATV business or the U.S. powersports market.
Mir is a free agent now for 2023 in MotoGP.
“Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC are committed to powersports and the U.S. market and will continue to deliver and service the premium quality Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters you’ve come to expect.
“Thanks to you and your hard work, Suzuki Motor USA will continue to build on the recent successful launches of the new Suzuki Hayabusa, the GSX-S1000, and GSX-S1000GT/GT+ models. Additionally, Suzuki is excited to continue this pattern of success and will present several more new models in the near future. Despite extreme challenges over the past two years related to the global pandemic, we have carefully managed our business, are in good financial health, and are poised for a return to growth.
“Additionally, please see the commonly asked questions below:
Why is Suzuki leaving MotoGP?
Suzuki is leaving the MotoGP Championship due to current global economic conditions and to allocate resources to ensure the health and growth potential of Suzuki’s overall business.
Does this mean Suzuki will cease manufacturing motorcycles and related products?
No. Suzuki is committed to continue to do business in the motorcycle category and deliver premium Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters to its dealers and customers.
Will Suzuki continue to do business in the U.S.?
Yes. Suzuki will continue to work hard to invest in and grow the Suzuki motorcycle business in the U.S. with several new models coming over the next few years.
Will Suzuki continue with its race programs in the U.S.?
Yes. As a means to market and develop its products, Suzuki plans to continue with its racing programs and promotions in MotoAmerica Road Racing, AMA Supercross/Motocross, and NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.
Will Suzuki ever return to MotoGP?
There are no immediate plans to return to the MotoGP World Championship, but the possibility exists that Suzuki could return at a future time depending on its business objectives.
What does the future look like for Suzuki products here in the U.S.?
The future is strong for Suzuki in the U.S. The recent success of the new Hayabusa, GSX-S1000, and GSX- S1000GT/GT+ are just the beginning in a series of new Suzuki motorcycles that will be introduced in the near future.
Suzuki To Quit MotoGP Racing At The End of 2022 (Updated)
The Suzuki Motor Corporation has confirmed its intention to depart from MotoGP competition at the end of the 2022 season.
Team staff, including riders Joan Mir and Alex Rins, were informed of the company’s plans to exit the championship at the recent Jerez MotoGP test but Suzuki itself remained publicly silent on the matter until today when the official press release was sent out.
Suzuki has finally broken its silence on leaving MotoGP.
MotoGP commercial rights holder, Dorna Sports, has confirmed there has been a number of teams wanting to take Suzuki’s place on the grid for next season, although has not disclosed any names. The championship will thus go from six manufacturers to five for 2023 (Honda, Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, KTM). Currently, only Aprilia do not have a satellite team in MotoGP, and given Aprilia’s recent uptake in performance, it’s probable the new team might end up becoming the second Aprilia outfit.
Below is the official press release from Suzuki Motor Corporation
“Suzuki Motor Corporation is in discussions with Dorna regarding the possibility of ending Suzuki’s participation in MotoGP at the end of 2022.
“Unfortunately, the current economic 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 drastically decrease racing related costs and to use all its economical and human resources in developing 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 To Quit MotoGP Racing At The End of 2022 (Updated)
MotoGP Commercial Rights Holder Dorna has released a statement on Suzuki’s intention to quit MotoGP at the end of the 2022 season, reiterating they cannot make the decision to quit on their own.
Suzuki is contracted to compete until the end of 2026, having signed a new five-year deal with Dorna which began at the start of 2022 alongside Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Aprilia, and KTM.
Dorna says Suzuki cannot make the decision to quit MotoGP racing without its consent.
Dorna says should Suzuki indeed leave the championship after coming to a mutual agreement with Dorna, there are multiple teams looking to take its place as well as “official factories”, but stops short of naming them.
Here is the official statement from Dorna.
“Following recent rumors of Suzuki departing MotoGP at the end of 2022, Dorna Sports has officially contacted the (Suzuki) factory in order to remind them that the conditions of their contract to race in MotoGP do not allow for them to take this decision unilaterally.
“However, should Suzuki depart following an agreement between both parties, Dorna will decide on the ideal number of riders and teams racing in the MotoGP class from 2023.
“Dorna continues to receive high levels of interest from a number of both official factories and Independent Teams looking to join the MotoGP grid as the sport continues to set a global example of close competition, innovation and entertainment, reaching hundreds of millions of fans around the world.
“Interest from these parties has been re-confirmed in the past 24 hours.”
A press release was expected from Suzuki clarifying their position this morning but this is yet to be forthcoming.
Suzuki To Quit MotoGP Racing At The End of 2022
Suzuki will pull out of MotoGP competition at the end of the 2022 season, Cycle News has learned.
In a move that will send shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock, Suzuki will close its MotoGP operations just over one season after clinching its first World Championship title in 20 years with Joan Mir in 2020.
Suzuki officials gathered team members today (March 2) to inform them of the decision to pull out of MotoGP racing, leaving the futures of Joan Mir and in particular, Alex Rins, in disarray, as well as dozens of team members including technicians and administrative staff.
Joan Mir (left) and Alex Rins (right) at the start of the 2022 season. It appears this will be the last for the Suzuki factory in MotoGP.
Mir is heavily linked to the second Repsol Honda seat alongside Marc Marquez currently held by Pol Espargaro, while three-time race winner Rins indicated in Portugal having positive preliminary talks with Suzuki regarding his 2023 seat that now no longer exists.
Suzuki lost an integral part of its title-winning team in 2020 with the departure of team manager Davide Brivio to the Alpine Formula One team. The team was run in 2021 by Project Leader and engineer, Shinichi Sahara, who admitted running the engineering side and team management was too much for him to bear.
Thus, 2022 saw the arrival of ex-Repsol Honda and Ducati boss, Livio Suppo to take over the team management side, who has since come out with ‘no comment’ when questioned on Suzuki’s future.
Suzuki was a mainstay in MotoGP competition, competing from the early 1970s in the 500cc era and winning titles with Barry Sheene (1976/77), Marco Lucchinelli (1981), Franco Uncini (1982), Kevin Schwantz (1993), and Kenny Roberts Jnr (2000).
2020 was a watershed year for Suzuki with their first World Championship win in 20 years.
The four-stroke era was less kind to the Hamamatsu brand, with only one race victory added between 2002 and 2015 thanks to Australian Chris Vermeulen at a rain-lashed French Grand Prix in 2007.
Suzuki pulled out of MotoGP competition at the end of 2012, preferring to develop its new GSX-RR racer away from the spotlight. The company returned to MotoGP competition in 2015 and Maverick Vinales scored Suzuki’s next MotoGP race win at Silverstone in 2016, followed by Rins and Mir between 2017 and 2022.
The official announcement from the Suzuki Ecstar MotoGP team is expected tomorrow (May 3) and we will have more on this breaking news story as it comes to hand.
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