Rumors On Suzuki Will Withdraw From MotoGP After The 2022 Racing Season Make Dorna Promoter Furious

Suzuki rider Alex Rins on the second day of the 2022 MotoGP pre-season test at Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Central Lombok, NTB, Saturday (12/2/2022). (Antara/Andika Wahyu)

JAKARTA - MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports has contacted Suzuki following reports that the Japanese manufacturer will be leaving the premier class at the end of the season, reminding them on Tuesday that their contract does not allow them to make unilateral decisions.

Media reports on Monday suggested Suzuki would exit MotoGP at the end of the 2022 season. Suzuki did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Suzuki Motor Corporation last year renewed their involvement in the MotoGP championship in a single deal until the end of the 2026 season.

"Following recent rumors regarding Suzuki leaving MotoGP at the end of the 2022 season, Dorna Sports have officially contacted the company to remind them that the conditions of their contract to race in MotoGP do not allow them to take this decision unilaterally," Dorna said in a statement quoted. Reuters as reported by Antara.

"However, if Suzuki leaves after following the agreement between the two parties, Dorna will decide the ideal number of riders and teams competing in the MotoGP class from 2023."

Dorna said there was interest from manufacturers and independent teams to join the MotoGP grid. "The interest of these parties has been reconfirmed in the last 24 hours," he said.

Suzuki had quit MotoGP before, leaving premier class racing after the 2011 season due to the economic recession and the Japanese yen. the stronger one. They returned fully in 2015.

The manufacturer last topped the team and rider standings in MotoGP 2020 when Spaniard Joan Mir won his maiden title in a season cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic, while team-mate and compatriot Alex Rins finished third.