SUZUKI has announced its expected switch to a one-rider MotoGP team next year – with Dorna still insisting their contract with the Japanese manufacturer means they are obliged to provide a two-rider team.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta had meetings with factory representatives after the Japanese GP at Motegi, but told pressmen the week before Valencia that he was waiting for a definite response from Suzuki before deciding whether to take further action.
In an official statement released earlier today, Suzuki said:
Suzuki Motor Corporation wishes to thank all customers and race fans who supported the Suzuki MotoGP Team in 2010.
With the experience and knowledge gained in 2010 the Suzuki MotoGP Team will move forward with great passion and effort in search of glory in 2011.
The Suzuki MotoGP Team will participate in 2011 with a single rider, Alvaro Bautista. Alvaro joined the team in 2010 and made good progress with GSV-R, the Suzuki Grand Prix machine, improving his results throughout the season.
Suzuki will continue to make the best use of the short time to the start of the 2011 MotoGP season to develop the GSV-R machine for this, the pinnacle class of motorcycle racing, and we thank all Suzuki customers and race fans for their continued support.
Suzuki Motor Corporation
November, 8th 2010
The company is expected to return to a two-rider set-up in 2012 when MotoGP returns to 1000cc regulations
