Suzuki’s exit from MotoGP formalised
After dropping the bombshell earlier this year that they intended to withdraw from MotoGP just one year into their latest five-year contract, Suzuki’s exit from the premier class has been confirmed, with the Japanese manufacturer to also pull out of the World Endurance Championship (EWC) at the end of the 2022 season.
Even though Suzuki declared their intention to exit both series’ back in May, formalising the terms of that exit took a further two months.
In a brief statement issued on 13 July, Suzuki said that they will continue to race in MotoGP and EWC championships for the remainder of 2022, making “maximum efforts to win the remaining races” and that, while they may be exiting at a factory level, they aim to support customer racing activities through their global distributor network.
Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Representative Director and President said: "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. 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."
Less than a week after this announcement, Alex Rins confirmed he would be riding for LCR Honda in 2023, replacing Alex Marquez on a two-year deal. Team Suzuki Ecstar’s other rider, 2020 MotoGP World Champion Joan Mir, did not have a seat locked in for next year at time of writing, but Repsol Honda is seen as the most likely destination, replacing Pol Espargaro.