micky
Stuck in the saddle
There's No Replacement For Displacement
Posts: 92
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Post by micky on Dec 31, 2008 12:30:58 GMT
If the decision is based on results who can blame them.
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Post by BADGER on Dec 31, 2008 12:55:18 GMT
Kawasaki poised to quit MotoGP?
Kawasaki look poised to announce a withdrawal from MotoGP with immediate effect over the next week.
According to several sources, Kawasaki are plotting an exit from the premier motorcycle class after just six seasons in the top flight, although it isn't immediately certain whether the global economic downturn or their poor results are the primary factor in the decision.
Indeed, while Kawasaki has shown flashes of speed over the years with Randy de Puniet, Shinya Nakano and Olivier Jacque all getting close to a victory with a second place finish apiece, the team is regularly considered to be the 'fifth' best manufacturer team.
Their issues were compounded in 2008 when the combination of John Hopkins and Anthony West managed a best of fifth place each, helping Kawasaki to ninth place in the ten-strong team championship, ahead of only the one-man LCR Honda outfit.
Nonetheless, as a sign of how quickly this decision has come, preparations for 2009 were seemingly well underway, with Hopkins and new team-mate, Ducati exile Marco Melandri, out testing earlier this month in Australia.
However, despite the inclusion of a GP winner to their line-up, it seems Kawasaki will become another major name to scale back their involvement in motorsport, following on from Japanese counterparts Honda, Suzuki and Subaru.
Indeed, despite their limited success over the years, the loss of one of the most distinctive entrants is a major blow to the series, not least because it lowers the number of official MotoGP entries to just 17 next year.
Furthermore, it isn't clear what this will mean for the team's World Superbike effort, which has also struggled in recent seasons. They recently announced that their bikes will be run under the Paul Bird Motorsport banner in 2009.
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Post by Les on Dec 31, 2008 15:36:01 GMT
Its always amazed me that K have never been able to do it on the track, when their road bikes are so good.
It also indicates that except for the power ranger brigade, track success dont mean sales sucess.
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Post by kevrex on Dec 31, 2008 21:12:23 GMT
Its always amazed me that K have never been able to do it on the track, when their road bikes are so good. It also indicates that except for the power ranger brigade, track success dont mean sales sucess. :agreed:
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Post by BADGER on Jan 2, 2009 13:13:36 GMT
John Hopkins has not given up hope of Kawasaki until an official announcement is made regarding their withdrawal.
John insists he hasn't confirmed the withdrawal of Kawasaki from MotoGP and that it remains ‘up in the air' as to whether he will be competing with the team in 2009.
The news that Kawasaki is on the verge of quitting MotoGP this week has rocked the sport, not least because of its sudden nature and the fact it will leave just four manufacturers and 17 bikes on the 2009 grid.
Even so, no official word has been made by the Japanese team as of yet, and until there is Hopkins insists he is unwilling to comment on the rumours.
Posting a message on his personal website, Hopkins, who endured a torrid maiden season with Kawasaki in 2008 following a series of injuries, played down the reports that stated him as confirming their departure.
“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 rumours. 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…”
Marco Melandri, who only rode the Kawasaki for the first time last month, has reportedly been notified of the team's exit via a letter. Kawasaki had spent several months attempting to free Melandri from a multi-year contract with Ducati.
Should they withdraw, Kawasaki will become the fourth Japanese brand to quit a major series following on from Honda in Formula 1, as well as Suzuki and Subaru in the World Rally Championship.
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micky
Stuck in the saddle
There's No Replacement For Displacement
Posts: 92
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Post by micky on Jan 2, 2009 15:27:58 GMT
Feel sorry for Marco Melandri, could be the end of his Motogp career, nothing but bad luck. With only 17 bikes Hopo may not get a ride this year. Single tyre, 17 bikes, pint of fuel, lower emissions that a hamsters fart and no longer on EuroSport, not gonna be the best year is it.
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Post by Young Burchy on Jan 2, 2009 19:26:21 GMT
re Micky Tis a big shame - Team Green always have a good following, and its definitely not a case of us/them being glory hunters KHI are huge though, makes one wonder exactly how draining MOTO GP is for a company over running superbikes Maybe they will get it all sorted? Kawasaki seemed to have sorted the front end out on their new GP bike in testing, and we all know Marco and Hopper can ride a bike, be a shame to see them go
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Post by BADGER on Jan 5, 2009 13:21:55 GMT
Aspar to maintain Kawasaki presence?
Aspar could run semi-private Kawasakis in the 2009 season if the manufacturer pulls out.
Kawasaki could still be involved in MotoGP this season after Aspar manager Jorge Martinez revealed he is in talks with series organisers Dorna to revive his stillborn project.
Aspar were close to graduating to the premier class in 2009 with a third Kawasaki entry, but the deal fell through after disagreeing on the manufacturer's choice of Shinya Nakano, rather than the Spanish rider Martinez's sponsors desired.
Nonetheless, Martinez claims to have been contacted by Dorna, who are desperate to retain a fifth manufacturer presence on the 2009 grid as it looks increasingly likely the series will start the season with a somewhat paltry 17 bike line-up.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport, Martinez admits he is interested in reviving the project and keep Kawasaki racing as a privateer entry.
"Negotiations to take over the two Kawasaki (bikes) have started,” he said. “I don't know with certainty when or if this opportunity will become reality. I'm willing to negotiate. We'll see."
Although Aspar could face the same issues as last time if their sponsors demand a Spanish rider again, both John Hopkins and Marco Melandri would be tempting propositions for the team nonetheless.
Hopkins alone comes with extensive backing from energy drinks company Monster, while Melandri comes with experience that would prove tempting for a burgeoning team.
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Post by BADGER on Jan 7, 2009 21:00:04 GMT
Kawasaki finally admit they are considering quitting MotoGP, but are still unable to confirm anything.
Kawasaki has seemingly broken its silence over the rumours they are withdrawing from MotoGP by claiming that no decision has been formally made yet.
A week since news first broke that they were on the verge of quitting the series, owing to the global economic crisis, an anonymous source has apparently revealed for the first time that it is ‘under consideration'.
According to Agent France Presse, Kawasaki are still in the process of evaluating whether it would be worth pulling out having already sunk a considerable amount of money in securing riders John Hopkins and Marco Melandri, as well as developing the 2009-specification bike.
"The issue is under consideration," the source said. "We have made no decision. We are in contact with parties concerned so that we can decide our future course of action.”
Those ‘parties concerned' could be Jorge Martinez, who is touted to be taking on the team under the semi-works Aspar banner.
Indeed, with Dorna determined to keep up the numbers on the grid to a respectable level, the retention of Kawasaki as a fifth manufacturer is crucial in their plans, particularly as the economic downturn is expected to grip the sport further into 2009.
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Post by Young Burchy on Jan 8, 2009 0:03:20 GMT
I cant decide what Kawasaki will do. Reading MCN today,I didnt realise the Kawasaki have signed a contract agreement with Dorna that means that "have" to keep a presence on the grid until 2011, so all the debate and time wasting could be in order to see what will happen with money compensation wise, or, actually trying to find a solution for this season and maybe agree a new contract later with Dorna? At least they haven't said NO, not yet anyway
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Post by brakeline on Jan 9, 2009 21:42:59 GMT
Well, that looks like it, there toast. Poor Marco, wots he gonna dae noo.
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Post by BADGER on Jan 10, 2009 18:14:00 GMT
Kawasaki statement in full. Friday, 9th January 2009
Kawasaki gives reasons for pulling out of MotoGP series.
Kawasaki's involvement in the MotoGP world championship was officially curtailed on Friday morning [9 January] as parent company Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd confirmed that the economic climate had taken its toll.
The withdrawal was revealed with a short statement from Japan, reproduced in full below:
"Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has decided to suspend its factory MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season.
"Amid quickly changing business environment, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with the situation. As the world economy is not likely to recover in a short period due to the major impact of the financial crisis, Kawasaki decided to suspend its MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season onward and reallocate management resources more efficiently.
"Kawasaki will continue racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles as well as supporting general race-oriented customers. Kawasaki would like to thank all the fans and all those who have forwarded us great help.
"Mr Yoshio Kawamura, the managing director of Kawasaki Motors Racing B.V. deeply appreciates the contribution and the dedication brought by staff members of the MotoGP team." Kawasaki's exit leaves the MotoGP grid with just 17 expected entries unless a privateer effort can be found to run the green machines - or others from rival marques - ahead of the 2009 season-opener in Qatar in April. The future of intended Kawasaki riders John Hopkins and Marco Melandri remains similarly clouded.
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Post by brakeline on Jan 11, 2009 9:51:42 GMT
Makes sense a suppose, they weren'y very good anyway, aw well, hasta mañana Kawasaki, we will keep buyin yer bikes tho (if a hid anymoney that is )
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Post by Young Burchy on Jan 11, 2009 16:44:52 GMT
such a shame, on a brighter note, Kawasaki UK are backing Connor Cummings and McAdoo Kawasaki this year for the road racing season, the new Ryan Farquahr i reckon MCN
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Post by BADGER on Jan 11, 2009 20:49:08 GMT
Apart from looking too big for the bike (shame) the colour scheme is :sick: but good luck to him all the same
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