Suzuki set to quit MotoGP?

Suzuki decides to withdraw from the MotoGP World Championship?
Suzuki garage, Valencia MotoGP Test, November 2011
Suzuki garage, Valencia MotoGP Test, November 2011
© Gold and Goose

The decision is not yet official, but according to e-magazine GPWeek.com "In response to a deadline set ꦕby Dorna, the axe finally fell on the on-again/off-again Suzuki MotoGP team last Friday, with the factory decision to pull out of the premier-class."

GPWeek adds that an email to team members from Paul Denning states that Suzu൩ki hopes to return to MotoGP𒉰 in 2014.

Alvaro Bautista, Suzuki's only full time rider this year, has 💃already s🐼igned for Gresini Honda, but ex-Pramac Ducati rider Randy de Puniet posted impressive lap times while testing the 800cc GSV-R at Valencia. The Frenchman made clear he'd like to race the bike next year.

Suzuki last won the premier-class title with Kenny Roberts in 2000, but has taken just one race win - with Chris Vermeulen at a wet ♚Le Mans in 2007 - during the fourꦕ-stroke era. The team's most recent podium appearance was at Brno in 2008.

Should Suzuki wit🥀hdraw it would reduce manufacturer participation in MotoGP to Honda, Ducati and Yamaha, although a new class of privateer 'Claiming Rule Teams' (CRTs) are being introduced to boost grid numbers for the start of the new 1000cc era in 2012.

The departure of Suzuki is also likely to send John Hopkins to World Superbike, alongside Leon Cᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚamie♍r at Denning's Crescent Suzuki team.

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