Kawasaki pulls out of motoGP

[Captain]

Terrible news. Hot on the heels of Honda pulling out of F1 and Suzuki pulling out of rally now we hear that Kawaski will not be competing in motoGP in 2009. They are blaming the economic crisis and the poor results during the last few years. Not only does this leave Melandri and Hopkins without a ride for 2009, but it's bad news for motoGP who are having trouble filling their ranks with enough bikes. In fact, it temporarily leaves the grid with only 17 bikes, below the minimum set by FIM.

Not good at all. These is some speculation that the teams will move to SBK, but nothing is confirmed and it seems little more than wishful thinking at this stage.

[Alex.]

Wow, that's bad news!

[One Mofo]

Bugga. just when they were starting to improve.

[gobig2000]

thats shit for the sport

[_chado77]

wow..seriously though bikes are only a small piece of the pie for kawaski..

besides the miniumum bikes that leaves to rather big names without a ride:confused1:

SBK must be rubbing the hands right now

[binking]

This sort of thing seems like it will be happening more and more. There must be some very nervous riders/drivers out there at the moment wondering if they might be next to hear some bad news. Whether you like it or not SBK is much more entertaining (IMO) from a racing perspective. MotoGP has the big names but SBK has better racing. I wonder if others will follow and perhaps make a switch to SBK.

[zRoYz]

wow..seriously though bikes are only a small piece of the pie for kawaski..


Kawaski heavy industries is one big company & bikes isn't one of there main money spinners. It is also one of the reasons I still can't understand why they never really became competitive with such large resources.

[Bigdog]

It's pretty much what I predicted in the F1 thread. These car/bike companies are taking a beating. They are losing heaps of money and there is no money to spend on racing, when people have stopped buying cars/ bikes. I suspect other manufacturers may follow suit.

[zRoYz]

It's pretty much what I predicted in the F1 thread. These car/bike companies are taking a beating. They are losing heaps of money and there is no money to spend on racing, when people have stopped buying cars/ bikes. I suspect other manufacturers may follow suit.

What will happen is people will start buying scooters to save money so they will start motogp scooter races :)

[Jake]

Wow :confused: Not doubting ya, but what's the source?

[unclewal]

Kawasaki were racing in the GP....?:lmao: i just thought they were doing tyre warming.
But on a serious note that does suck alot, less competition is not always the best thing to happen in terms of development of the series and of course technologies that trickle down to the end user.

[*Oggy*]

Companies can be seen as indulging in sponsoring sports if their business is healthy, but they fear the shareholders may not be happy with possible profits dissapearing into non related business activities....

Honda (in F1) and Kawasaki in MotoGP may also be a goos excuse to pull out of sports that they are not doing so well in... May be seen as denting their image as no-one wants to be at the back of the grid.

Kawasaki are I guess one of the smaller Jap companies, but have never really understood why they do so bad in racing (saying that AG... did explain that all in one of his threads RE why they only do well in USA).

Smaller grids are not a good thing though...

[KW4K4]

still trying to find info on this with confirmation and not rumours - captain can you reveal source?

[nelsonwise]

good that the japs are saving some money, hopefully they will start to import some of their funny and city cars to australia. http://www.infomapjapan.com/images/whatsnow/200706-57.gif

but its interesting how the world economic crisis is not really impact on the motorbike and accessories. eg. the A*GP Pro is still RRP at $249 same as it was 9 months ago.
This is really weird~

[hoffy]

Not sure on source, cant find anything on papers or websites, but it may be true..

[Johnny]

Sad day if it is true

[VINNIE]

I have spent the past hour trying to find any news about this...i can't find squat

All i can find is how they have sponsorship for next year

They just completed their first test run last month at Phillip Island with their new star, Marco Melandri

John Hopkins is ready for 09 after his surgery

and plenty of R&D to be done in 09

got me stuffed....Captain, was this story printed on the back of a Corn Flake box????

[OutOfControl]

I found this...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72588

[VINNIE]

Rumors, I still don't believe it......the amount of money they will have to shell out for contracts for riders and crew

Kawasaki is a strong brand with good sales all around the world

[AS76]

A few months ago there was talk of a 3rd kawi on the grid, now they going to withdraw altogether?? It will be a big blow for motogp.

[Captain]

Sorry fellas, went to bed early last night.

Here are my sources:
http://www.sportmediaset.it/motori/articoli/articolo19288.shtml
http://www.gpone.com/news/News.asp?NNews=3247

As usual the euros get the news first, but it's gone mainstream now:

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/1451/update-kawasaki-pulling-out-of-motogp

[Captain]

The latest rumour is that a 3rd Suzuki will be bought in to make up the numbers (they need 18 riders apparently)

[gazujc]

Will worry more if/when confirmed but did find this http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35264





Garry

[*Oggy*]

From MCN yesterday....

__________________________________________________ _-

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.

[Captain]

You know, it occured to me that this 'economic crisis' is being used as a convenient excuse for a number of companies to make the kind of changes they wanted to make, but without getting a bloodied nose from it. Everyone's reaction is 'ah, yes, the economic crisis, we understand ...'
I reckon it's bullshit, because if there are tough times ahead then competition will increase, so companies need to keep promoting to seel ther stuff. And they know this, but like I said, it's a convenient time to shuffle things around.

[VINNIE]

First there was Y2K, then Global Warming, now Economic Crisis

THE END IS NIE :lmao:

[X27]

You know, it occured to me that this 'economic crisis' is being used as a convenient excuse for a number of companies to make the kind of changes they wanted to make, but without getting a bloodied nose from it. Everyone's reaction is 'ah, yes, the economic crisis, we understand ...'
I reckon it's bullshit, because if there are tough times ahead then competition will increase, so companies need to keep promoting to seel ther stuff. And they know this, but like I said, it's a convenient time to shuffle things around.

How do you 'promote' or 'advitise' with out an Income....who will give you money, Investment banking has collapsed, they have no income so they have no money to lend....hence "financial crisis". From start to finish we could see globaly around 300 000 business fold.......it'll be mum and dad busineses as well is the too big for boots business, only fully cashed business will survive, a new landscape is being forged as we speak, thankfully Aus will be moslty OK......just sayin

[Captain]

Not every business relies on loans to operate, and anyhow investment banking has NOT collapsed, far from it, there is some nervousness about lending but established businesses with existing credit facilities are not having any issues. The few investment banks that have collapsed (and only a handful out of thousands) have been the ones with many bad loans.

[X27]

Banks dont wont to give investment loans at the minute lest it eats their cash reserves, those same reservse are paying for the cost of running the actual day to day business until the economy is ready to spend. It's investment loans that keep the ball rolling, the kind of loans that builds enterprise and employment, everbody goes to the investment banks for these loans, the Insestment banks have no money or very little, not enough to lend, that is until they themselves reccieved loans from 'Central' banks...otherwise called the Government..whom get their money from us tax payers. Remember the Investment banking system actually collapsed, it realy actually happen, They ran out of money and the system stalled till central banks proped it up all over the world. Its not rosie at all, a lot of business rely on investment banks to finance their industry, make a profit and pay back the loan, and start the cycle again. Those that cant borrow, will fall and take everbody attatched to them down with them.

[Stu23]

I wonder how Ducati continue to race, without the might of an Industrial superpower behind them........Now it isnt the over inflated cost of their road bikes ( been reading another interesting post or 2 there ! ) ... so how do they afford it. Perhaps only having 1 official fully supported bike maybe !! haha theres another rumour !!

I can only think as has been said earlier, that it is seen to be a very convenient time for Industrial leaders to act on their own desires , without the public , anger, disappointment and maybe outrage, that some of these decisions may lead to. The convenient Economic downturn, a very handy excuse indeed.

They may live to regret some of the choices they have made, as other companies tough it out and perhaps succeed in a less populated market place..is this a good thing ?

Stu

[Captain]

Hmmmm .... rumours continue.

http://superbikeplanet.com/2008/Dec/081230b.htm

Sounds like fact to me, if it wasn't, Kawasaki would have jumped onto it immediately with a denial.


I see that Stu23 and I see eye to eye on the reality and the economic situation :)

[AS76]

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-kawasaki-quit-motogp-whos-next/

More on the kawasaki saga.

[Andrew B]

It will be a shame to see Kawasaki go. I do tend to agree with the economic crisis being a very convenient scapegoat :beatdeadhorse:

[Johnny]

Sad day, the competition just got that little bit smaller..

[Specs]

Banks dont wont to give investment loans at the minute lest it eats their cash reserves, those same reservse are paying for the cost of running the actual day to day business until the economy is ready to spend. It's investment loans that keep the ball rolling, the kind of loans that builds enterprise and employment, everbody goes to the investment banks for these loans, the Insestment banks have no money or very little, not enough to lend, that is until they themselves reccieved loans from 'Central' banks...otherwise called the Government..whom get their money from us tax payers. Remember the Investment banking system actually collapsed, it realy actually happen, They ran out of money and the system stalled till central banks proped it up all over the world. Its not rosie at all, a lot of business rely on investment banks to finance their industry, make a profit and pay back the loan, and start the cycle again. Those that cant borrow, will fall and take everbody attatched to them down with them.

Investment Banks provide loans?? :confused1:

[xcabbi]

I also agree that the economic crisis was rather convenient. But here's the clincher.

Were the CEO's praying for rain (a reason to downsize) and got it, or did they plan the storm all along?

Or was it a result of their dodgy practises that has now bitten them on the behind like an angry guard dog?

Seems that the only motorsport that hasn't been affected as much as the rest is drag racing.

[DAVID]

Wow that a shame
But moto GP is boring as bat shit. Maybe one or two good races a year.
Look at SBK flat chat from start to finish. That's the hole season not just a race or two. Rider talent not the best computer programmer that's what it's all about wheel spin,smoking reair tyres,tank slappers,sitting on the edge of your seat thinking how the f*#k he stay on it.
I don't want see anyone get killed but I would love to see some old time racing.:confused1:

[hoffy]

Fark, Westy dodged a bullet !! :)

[Captain]

There's an emergency meeting scheduled for the 7th of January in Japan. It appears that the other manufacturers are committed to motoGP, and are trying hard to find a solution and a way forward.
Apparently it's the first time that Ducati have been invited to a 'Japanese meeting', which the reporters are saying is as significant a step as anything else that's going on http://www.clipartof.com/images/thumbnail/444.gif

[binking]

Wow that a shame
But moto GP is boring as bat shit. Maybe one or two good races a year.
Look at SBK flat chat from start to finish. That's the hole season not just a race or two. Rider talent not the best computer programmer that's what it's all about wheel spin,smoking reair tyres,tank slappers,sitting on the edge of your seat thinking how the f*#k he stay on it.
I don't want see anyone get killed but I would love to see some old time racing.:confused1:

+1 on that. can't beat the supers for flat out racing.

[hoffy]

Hopefully this will mean a very competitive Kawasaki SBK team, if we need to lose GP's for a while to win in SBK so be it.

SBK success sells more bikes than GP success IMO, as your buying what they are racing, to a limited extent.

[Squirts]

learnt something interesting the other week when i had a meeting with local shipping dudes here for work on import of cars....

Below is projected - but it's deff. already happening..

japan imports down 30 - 50% next year
European imports down 15 - 35% next year

somehow doesn't suprise me if these manufacturers are pulling out of sporting events to hold their cash closer to their hearts to stay healthy..

[WET4URacing]

thai imports stayin steady

[James]

learnt something interesting the other week when i had a meeting with local shipping dudes here for work on import of cars....

Below is projected - but it's deff. already happening..

japan imports down 30 - 50% next year
European imports down 15 - 35% next year

somehow doesn't suprise me if these manufacturers are pulling out of sporting events to hold their cash closer to their hearts to stay healthy..

Very true - in our business (Jaguar/Land Rover) we have already had to cancel the G4 challenge (current day version of the Camel Trophy). The UK and US markets are haemorrhaging badly and all global markets are being asked to cut back expenditure as cash flow is #1 priority in Q1/Q2 '09.

[Captain]

John Hopkins confirms Kawasaki quit bombshell

31 December 2008 10:36

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/218719/images/300x200/hopkins.jpg

American John Hopkins has confirmed Kawasaki has notified him of its intention not to compete in the 2009 MotoGP world championship.

The bombshell news was communicated to the 25-year-old on December 29 while he is continuing his bid to regain full fitness after recent surgery to remove metal plates from his left leg.

The rest of Kawasaki’s stunned team personnel, including new recruit Marco Melandri, were all informed of the quit plan on the same day.

The decision to pull out leaves Hopkins frozen out of MotoGP after just one injury-hit disastrous campaign and he confirmed he been notified by team manager Michael Bartholemy in a telephone call to his California home on Monday.

“I heard it’s up in the air, but I haven’t heard anything confirmed yet,” said Hopkins. "I got some calls from the team manager and he said that everything could be up in the air as to whether they run it or not, but nothing has been confirmed.”

Asked what the implications of Kawasaki’s withdrawal would have on his future, Hopkins said he was in the dark, but had immediately consulted with his management team.

“I don’t know what it would do to me", added Hopkins, who finished 16th in the 2008 MotoGP series. “I’m really not sure. I’ve been talking to my managers and seeing what the plan is and they’ve been on the phone to Japan trying to figure it out as well. Right now I’m still contracted to them so I’m not sure what the plan is.”

[_chado77]

oh well..i guess MM and JH wont be 2 worried for now.. there paychecks seem to be ok(contracted).. surely there names/status is enogh to secure a WSBK/SS ride:ayyy:

[wonnaride]

John Hopkins confirms Kawasaki quit bombshell

31 December 2008 10:36

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/218719/images/300x200/hopkins.jpg

American John Hopkins has confirmed Kawasaki has notified him of its intention not to compete in the 2009 MotoGP world championship.

The bombshell news was communicated to the 25-year-old on December 29 while he is continuing his bid to regain full fitness after recent surgery to remove metal plates from his left leg.

The rest of Kawasaki’s stunned team personnel, including new recruit Marco Melandri, were all informed of the quit plan on the same day.

The decision to pull out leaves Hopkins frozen out of MotoGP after just one injury-hit disastrous campaign and he confirmed he been notified by team manager Michael Bartholemy in a telephone call to his California home on Monday.

“I heard it’s up in the air, but I haven’t heard anything confirmed yet,” said Hopkins. "I got some calls from the team manager and he said that everything could be up in the air as to whether they run it or not, but nothing has been confirmed.”

Asked what the implications of Kawasaki’s withdrawal would have on his future, Hopkins said he was in the dark, but had immediately consulted with his management team.

“I don’t know what it would do to me", added Hopkins, who finished 16th in the 2008 MotoGP series. “I’m really not sure. I’ve been talking to my managers and seeing what the plan is and they’ve been on the phone to Japan trying to figure it out as well. Right now I’m still contracted to them so I’m not sure what the plan is.”


Than this from Hopkins website!

WORDS FROM HOPKINS

Hey guys.

As you all know, everything is up in the air and people want

answers.

Everything from here is now in my managers hands.

I have read nearly all articles posted and find it absolutely

crazy how people are stating that I have announced this / or

said that. when in fact I have avoided ALL phone-calls from

the media until time permits. There will be an official press release

held very soon, where we can confirm or deny all rumors.



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.

will keep you posted......



Hopper

Link > www.johnhopkins21.com (http://www.johnhopkins21.com/Topic/WORDS-FROM-HOPKINS/045FBFFFF000D1574000900A56F56)


As far as i'm concerned, it's all bullshit until Kawasaki officially announce it.

[Whitey]

Aspar boss says he is in Kawasaki MotoGP takeover talks

Fri Jan 2, 2009 12:50pm GMT


Jan 2 (Reuters) -

Motorcycling - Aspar Team chief Jorge Martinez has said he is in talks to take over the Kawasaki MotoGP team after media reported that the Japanese manufacturers were planning to pull out of the 2009 championship.

"Negotiations to take over the two Kawasaki (bikes) have started," former 80cc and 125 cc world champion Martinez, who already has teams in the 125 and 250 classes, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't know with certainty when or if this opportunity will become reality. I'm willing to negotiate. We'll see."

[Captain]

Team Aspar might be running the Kawasakis next year (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72601)


At the same time, Melandri is (supposedly) working on a deal to ride a Honda LCR

http://www.racergp.com/images/stories/news/honda_lcr.jpg

[hoffy]

Melandri was quick on the Honda !

[Naked Twin]

I also agree that the economic crisis was rather convenient. But here's the clincher.

Were the CEO's praying for rain (a reason to downsize) and got it, or did they plan the storm all along?

Or was it a result of their dodgy practises that has now bitten them on the behind like an angry guard dog?

Seems that the only motorsport that hasn't been affected as much as the rest is drag racing.

Greed is an angry animal that has to be fed, before we blame others, how many changed their super plan to cash (guaranteed money)? I doubt very few did as we all wanted to maximise our returns.

Drag racing has a lot of cash businesses behind the race teams so don't require the same corporate support. There are a lot of potato farmers that are drag racing.

Nick

[DAVID]

MM & JH in WSB Chado. How good would that be.:mod_smilie_rockwoot

[Alex.]

Seems that the only motorsport that hasn't been affected as much as the rest is drag racing.

Wrong Viz, Brett Stevens Racing has folded plus there are quite a few cars that won't be racing in the Australian series due to cash constraints.

[triumph]

from what i heard about brett stevens racing is that he done a burnout inside a pub while the big wigs were there . so they pulled his sponership .

[xcabbi]

Wrong Viz, Brett Stevens Racing has folded plus there are quite a few cars that won't be racing in the Australian series due to cash constraints.

I know Aron Lynch pulled the pin on the BL Steel team but not because of money. More so because he did not like the direction the administrators were trying to take the sport.

Steven's smoking them up in a pub sounds far fetched but also plausible at the same time. Wasn't that long ago he actually assaulted one of the Team Bray boys at the WSID pits one night so any thing's possible coming from him. IIRC it was actually Aron Lynch before he formed his own team.

[Dunno]

Are you guys for real?

This site seems to be based on how fast we can all go around corners!

Corners are fun. Strip? Who cares?

Im sure you have a site to ejaculate your 1/4 mile times.

Use it.

Wanna talk real bout bikes?

Bring it on :ayyy:

[BART]

Are you guys for real?

This site seems to be based on how fast we can all go around corners!

Corners are fun. Strip? Who cares?

Im sure you have a site to ejaculate your 1/4 mile times.

Use it.

Wanna talk real bout bikes?

Bring it on :ayyy:

+ 1

[xcabbi]

This started off as a thread about Kawasaki pulling out of MotoGP but evolved once it was said that drag racing is not being effected as much as motorcycle racing but now it seems that's not the case.

Are you two the type of guys that get agitated at the pub every time the conversation changes topic. FFS let the conversation flow, or are your people skills somewhat limited in that regard?

As for "strip, who cares?" Go for a spin in something with such brutal acceleration you grey out and then tell me its nothing.

[Bigdog]

This started off as a thread about Kawasaki pulling out of MotoGP but evolved once it was said that drag racing is not being effected as much as motorcycle racing but now it seems that's not the case.

Are you two the type of guys that get agitated at the pub every time the conversation changes topic. FFS let the conversation flow, or are your people skills somewhat limited in that regard?

As for "strip, who cares?" Go for a spin in something with such brutal acceleration you grey out and then tell me its nothing.


This thread is about Kawasaki pulling out of MotoGP. Go start your own Drag racing thread and wait for the crickets to join you. This is a motorcycle forum, first and foremost.

[Captain]

At the same time, Melandri is (supposedly) working on a deal to ride a Honda LCR

http://www.racergp.com/images/stories/news/honda_lcr.jpg


Well, he tried :(

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.

[mag57l]

from motogpmatters.com

While MotoGP fans around the world are on tenterhooks for news of Kawasaki, the first bits and pieces of news are dribbling out of the MSMA meeting currently being held in Japan. The Italian news sites are on top of the case - possibly thanks to the Italian representation on the MSMA - and the big news is that Kawasaki is currently reconsidering its withdrawal, news of which had leaked shortly after Christmas.

The pressure applied by Dorna appears to have worked, helped along perhaps by the fact that any withdrawal would have cost at least 20 million euros, including fines and money already spent on bikes and rider salaries, according to GPOne.com. Team boss Michael Bartholemy is apparently on his way to Japan to discuss the options with Kawasaki.

The meeting of the manufacturers involved in MotoGP discussed several proposals for cutting costs in MotoGP, including restricting testing even further, and extending engine life, which is put unofficially at around 300km. These would be the only changes possible for the 2009 season, as the teams already have too much invested in their 2009 bikes to make dramatic changes.

For 2010, more radical steps could be taken. First item on the agenda would be a ban on carbon brakes, a move which several team bosses, including Fausto Gresini and Lucio Cecchinello, have called for, as well as more drastic extensions of engine life, with engines to last multiple grand prix weeknds, and yet more restrictions on testing.

A proposal to limit the maximum revs engines could run was rejected, with Ducati's Livio Suppo telling Mediaset. "Most of the work should be left to the manufacturers. They should be able to decide how to make their engines last longer."

The other idea that was rejected was a salary cap. Such a move would be too difficult to enforce, and more likely to see teams finding ways of circumventing the salary cap, rather than holding fast to it, a practice which is often seen in US sports as well.

One thing that the MSMA seems to have missed is that although making engines last longer would reduce costs for shipping them to Japan and back to be stripped and rebuilt, a practice Lucio Cecchinello complained of to MCN, the development costs to make the highly-strung MotoGP engines durable enough to last several races are likely to be astronomical. The idea that the factories would reduce the power outputs of the engines to make them last longer seems unlikely given the history of the manufacturers in MotoGP. And similar measures in Formula 1 have yet to have any discernible impact on costs in that series.

So the Kawasaki saga has been prolonged a little longer. More news is sure to come over the next few days.

http://www.motogpmatters.com/news/2009/01/07/latest_from_japan_kawasaki_reconsidering.html

[Captain]

Interesting development, let's hope they do work something out. Thanks :ayyy:

EDIT: The italians have coined this meeting "the conclave without the cardinals", given that abscence of both Dorna and FIM. Whilst it's good to see the manufacturers talking, without the decision makers no-one seems to be expecting too much.

[racegodr1]

http://news.smh.com.au/sport/kawasaki-pulls-out-of-motogp-20090109-7diq.html

[Captain]

http://news.smh.com.au/sport/kawasaki-pulls-out-of-motogp-20090109-7diq.html

http://www.clipartof.com/images/thumbnail/2176.gif FARK it's costing them $ 61 million per year to run those motoGP bikes. I'd give up too if i was them, stuff that.

[jasonbw]

2003-2008 @ 61m per year

So it costs $305 Million to be a loser!

[Captain]

I do it for much less mate :lmao:

[Captain]

Seems that Dorma have pulled off a partial success; the two Kawaskis will be racing in 2009 after all, but not as a factory team - it will be a 'satellite team' led by Jorge Martinez.
No word on who will be riding though, no mention of Melandri or Hopkins :confused1:

[HPower]

Dorna is trying to help Kawasaki keep its motogp team racing this year, by trying to get some sponsership deal from some people/companies :ayyy:

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-dorna-prepares-bailout-for-kawasaki/



http://www.motogpmatters.com/news/20..._kawasaki.html

[_chado77]

damn.. no wonder all these sports(GP,F1,Rally etc) are looking to cut costs

[wonnaride]

Now I believe it!

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Kawasaki+to+suspend+MotoGP+racing+activities

[Captain]

The lastest:

Dorna CEO Ezpeleta on Kawasaki withdrawal
Friday, 09 January 2009

Following Kawasaki´s announcement, confirming that the Japanese manufacturer would suspend its factory MotoGP activity, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has revealed that a Kawasaki privateer project is under consideration.

http://resources.motogp.com/files/images/xx/2008/MotoGP/Misc/non/221712_Dorna+Sports+CEO+Carmelo+Ezpeleta-1280x960-may17.jpg.preview_big.jpg

Prior to Kawasaki´s announcement regarding their withdrawal from MotoGP, Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of MotoGP Rights Holders Dorna Sports, met with representatives of the Japanese factory to acknowledge their decision and discuss the possibility of having Kawasaki machinery run by a privateer team.

`First of all, I would like to clarify the fact that what Kawasaki has suspended is its MotoGP racing activities through its factory team,´ stressed Mr Ezpeleta.

`We had a meeting in Osaka on Thursday (8th January) where Kawasaki explained their problems and the difficulties they had with continuing as a factory team,´ Mr Ezpeleta continued. `Under these circumstances we agreed to cooperate collectively, in order to find a possible solution to their problems which may allow them to continue as a privateer team.´

Kawasaki made their MotoGP debut in 2003 after a string of wildcard entries in the last races of the 2002 season. Since then the Akashi-based factory has secured three podium finishes, with Olivier Jacque second in China in 2005, Shinya Nakano also securing second in Holland the following year and finally in 2007, with Randy de Puniet taking his maiden MotoGP podium with second at Motegi.

Prior to their MotoGP effort, the Japanese factory had participated in the premier category of World Championship competition in two separate periods, firstly from 1970 to 1975, when Ginger Molloy finished runner-up in their first season. Dave Simmonds took victory at Jarama one year later to finish the series in fourth place overall, whilst Mick Grant clinched the Tourist Trophy in 1975.

The second chapter of Kawasaki´s 500cc experience came in a two-year period at the start of the 1980s. Kork Ballington was unable to add to their catalogue of victories but he did take two third place finishes in 1981.
________________________________

Unfortunately for Hopkins, it looks like the race teams will come from Spain or possibly Italy, and they don't think they will get the support (and prescious sponsorship dollars) with an American rider ...

[Lopeman]

It is a shame that Kawasaki have gone. If someone decides to run the bikes as a privateer they will be throwing good money after bad. How can someone be even close to competitive with a bike that factory money couldnt get off the back of the grid. Development will stop meaning they will be even further behing by even halfway through the season while the other manufacturers continue to develope parts

[Captain]

Ten Kate have been talking about entering motoGP, and they're not manufacturers (and still they do very well at superbikes and supersport).
I bet they're reconsidering the motoGP step though :lmao:

[Captain]

Just as well .... :spank:


Full speed ahead for Kawasaki SBK and SS racing programmes
Update: January 13, 2009, 11.45 PM ET

In view of last week's decision by Kawasaki to withdraw its factory team from MotoGP, there has been some recent speculation as to how this would affect the rest of the Japanese manufacturer's programmes in the other top racing categories.

Following a series of disappointing results in recent years, the end of the 2008 season was marked by a revolution of sorts as Kawasaki made sweeping changes to the technical structures used as the bases for both racing programmes.

In Superbike, out went San Marino-based PSG-1 Corse, which made way for Paul Bird Motorsport, while Gil Motorsport was also replaced by the Provec Motocard outfit for Kawasaki's Supersport attack.

Kawasaki's European Race Planning Coordinator Steve Guttridge (in photo with Paul Bird), filled WorldSBK.com in on the latest developments.

"The World Superbike and World Supersport programmes are going ahead as planned for 2009 and we are putting all our efforts into those. We have two new teams, one in each category, and are working well with both of them. There is no change of plan."

"In Superbike, factory assistance is being increased with the Paul Bird team and there is more collaboration than before with Kawasaki Motors Europe and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. This should lead to big improvements in the team and the bike. It's early days yet, we just started everything up before Christmas but at the first race we should be up to speed."

"In Supersport the Provec Motocard Kawasaki team is going very well and is running ahead of plan. Joan Lascorz is proving to be very quick, he likes the bike and everyone is enthusiastic about the project. We think there'll be a few surprises this year."

[WET4URacing]

go the GREEN machine

[Naked Twin]

go the GREEN machine

Where? certainly not in Motogp

results in WSBK of recent times have not been making headlines either. Me thinks it could be another lean year for the green machine. Shame really as a I kid I loved the green machine, that probably had something to do with Greg Hansford doing well on one.

Nick

[Mr.Ed]

I was reading about this bike today on magazine and thinking exactly the same thing. Now that Kawasaki left MotoGP, they have A LOT of talented ppl that could be used on their other programs (plus a bit of extra $$ and that never hurts). I really hope they can pick up their game ASAP. If they can (I don't think it's possible for this year at this stage), we're in for the best season of WSBK ever.
So there'll be no Bayliss... boo-hoo!! 2 new manufacturers and Kawasaki finally paying some attention again tell me that WSBK have a lot in store for 2009+!
Maybe I'm being optimistic... either way it still sounds better than MotoGP.

[Turtle]

Its not like they ever win ????

[Cedric]

Its not like they ever win ????

I don't see why they shouldn't. Kawasaki is a huge company, perhaps the smallest of the big four vis a vis motorcycling, but it's not like they're without funds to make their racing up there with Honda and Yamaha. It simply takes some resolve from upper level management to source more funds to this endeavour.

[dazzler]

i believe its a packaged deal, bike, rider, R&D, management, funds.....

kawasaki seems to be missing one or more of the package, but one day they may achieve greatness...something i dont mind one bit!

[Captain]

The story continues; Carmelo Espeleta (DORNA) was interviewed by the Italian media, and he basically said that DORNA has a contract with Kawasaki until 2011. He had offered them a way out, so that if they committed to participating in 2009 he'd release them from their obligations for 2010-11, but this has been rejected. As a result, he's now saying that if they do pull out this year he will see them in court.

From Kawasaki's persective it's all a matter of cost, so there's another manufacturers' meeting scheduled for February (after Sepang) to address this again.

Importantly, Espeleta is insisting on securing a ride for Melandri and Hopkins, because despite them getting paid he believes it's grossly unfair that they should be without bikes this year.

[Captain]

I'm sure we're all familiar with MONSTER ... the Kawasaki sponsor? Well, they've now moved over to Valentino Rossi, who gets 2.5M Euros to wear their colors, + another 1/2 million should he win the championship.
I'm too envious to commment, really ...

[Turtle]

i believe its a packaged deal, bike, rider, R&D, management, funds.....

kawasaki seems to be missing one or more of the package, but one day they may achieve greatness...something i dont mind one bit!

Spot-on Daz....

[TommyDanger]

Well it says on the motogp web site that Kawasaki is running a test day today at Eastern Creek with Oliver Jaque and that they will be selling or renting their bikes and equipment to a private team for the 09 season.

Interesting. Mayby we will have some green machines to fill up the back of the grid and act as back markers for Rossi and Stoner.

[Cedric]

Well it says on the motogp web site that Kawasaki is running a test day today at Eastern Creek with Oliver Jaque and that they will be selling or renting their bikes and equipment to a private team for the 09 season.

Interesting. Mayby we will have some green machines to fill up the back of the grid and act as back markers for Rossi and Stoner.

I'd like to rent one for the track day on the 31st.. Maybe if I ask nicely:ayyy:

[Captain]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/GBM2004/dominoeffect.jpg

[Dunno]

Reading AMCN today & there was mention of Jaques doin 1:26 at EC. Anyone else have any info on how the day went?

[squash]

Theres no way they would be doing those kind of times.

[Dunno]

Theres no way they would be doing those kind of times.

Criville has the lap record at 1:30 on a 500cc stroker. You dont think cutting 4 seconds in 12 years is possible?

[Cedric]

Criville has the lap record at 1:30 on a 500cc stroker. You dont think cutting 4 seconds in 12 years is possible?

+1. I read that too..

I'm just wondering what Rossi could do around there on the M1.. the mind boggles..

[Lopeman]

wow, 1:26. i believe it but man thats fast.

[squash]

Criville has the lap record at 1:30 on a 500cc stroker. You dont think cutting 4 seconds in 12 years is possible?

I mean come on, a frenchmen on a Kawasaki... :lmao:

Seriously though no I don't. Maybe 1.28. But I don't think Olivier Jacque would do it on a brand new Kawasaki in 40C heat.

My reasoning is that our Superbikes are doing 1.31 there and 1.32 at PI. MotoGP were doing 1.29 at PI this year. About a 3 sec gap. So I think 1.28 is possible which equates back to a 3 sec gap.

I really don't think they could pull 5 sec on our boys on a smaller track than PI.

[triumph]

sure it wasnt 1.36 .

[Cedric]

Definitely reported as a 1:26 in the latest AMCN - it was in Alex G's column actually..

That really is phenomenal when you think about it - Allerton on the CBR1000RR, stock as it was, did a 1:35 out of the box.. Now I know you can make up a lot of speed on the straight and into T1 at EC, so say 3 sec on the straight as a generous margin - that still means the ZXRR is making 6 seconds on arguably the best 1000cc (albeit stock) out there with the best ASBK has to offer at the moment. What are ASBK times anyway?

Blows my mind anyway. I feel like I'm doing 26's at the Creek but in reality I'm about 30secs slower :D

[wonnaride]

Seriously though no I don't. Maybe 1.28. But I don't think Olivier Jacque would do it on a brand new Kawasaki in 40C heat.



I thought they were there on the Friday and Saturday not the 40deg Thursday.:confused1:

[Dunno]

1:26 is a bit hard to swallow & you cant believe everything you read. However as French as Jacques is he is no less a former 250 GP World Champ.

After the A1GP driver set pole at 1:17 a few years ago I can easily believe a current MotoGP bike can lap at 1:26.

[mag57l]

MotoGP bike is also alot faster out of the corners than a superbike. Phillip Island is a faster and more flowing track the EC.

[wonnaride]

MotoGP bike is also alot faster out of the corners than a superbike. Phillip Island is a faster and more flowing track the EC.

Nail
Head

[mag57l]

Valentino Rossi set a time of 1:32.233 on his 500 cc Honda in 2002 (Lap Record) at Phillip Isalnd. That is 6 year later than when the 500cc's were last at EC. The MotoGP bikes now do 1:29 at the island

[Cedric]

1:26 is definitely feasible.

[squash]

Well if they did do that then that's seriously quick. Alex can you confirm?

I want to see how they do at PI for the next test.

BTW I still don't understand how they were allowed to test during the Winter ban.

[1down5up]

ok the only way i see them getting out of the ban is that its the factory thats testing not the team thats going to run the bikes at the first race and the riders are diferant as well so mm and jh might still get a gig but as i read through the other posts in this thred it might be spanish riders back to the old subject of what passport you have to have to ride a moto gp bike and what sponsorship you can bring to the ride so kawasaki might end up with a couple of crap riders on the bike and not class like jh and the mm who needs to have a good year to make up for the poor effort on the duke

[Lopeman]

may have been able to test cause they withdrew from motogp. therefore dont need to follow and adhere to the winter test ban.

just a theory. . .

[WET4URacing]

[

BTW I still don't understand how they were allowed to test during the Winter ban.[/quote]


fark its hot today

[racegodr1]

Seems your "times" quote ended up in AMCN........

Weren't they our old road times for that day Paul?

[Captain]

Kawasaki has just pulled out of AMA Superbike :(
and if I understand it right, Honda pulled out a while back? Damn ...

http://www.racergp.com/images/stories/Mondo_Racing/gare_estero/kawa_ama.jpg

[hoffy]

Honda and Yamaha are rubbish at AMA, Kawa and Suzi do all right.....work dat shit out .

[Captain]

Honda quits Suzuka 8 hr (http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/01/honda-quits-suzuka-8-hours.html)
It's probably best not to read too many sport sites ... it's getting a little depressing.