Suzuki pulls out of MotoGP

Suzuki has pulled out of MotoGP because of economic problems but may return in 2014, the Japanese manufacturer confirmed. "This suspension is to cope with tough circumstances mainly caused by the prolonged recession in developed countries, a historical depreciation of Japanese yen and repeated natural disasters," the motor company said. "Having an eye to returning to MotoGP in 2014, Suzuki will now focus on developing a competitive new racing machine for that class," it said in a statement posted on the official MotoGP website on Friday. Japanese motor companies, along with other manufacturers, have been hit by a shutdown or cutdown in production following the March earthquake-tsunami which devastated Japan's northeast, and floods in Thailand have disrupted the global supply chain. Rizla Suzuki team manager Paul Denning, who had tried to encourage the company to continue racing in MotoGP, said on Twitter: "It's now -- very sadly -- official. Suzuki is out of MGP for 2012/13." "I'm sorry for all the guys on the team, our partners, friends and fans," he said. "Really thought we'd pulled it together -- silver lining is that Suzuki has expressed its clear intention to come back in 2014. Thanks to all." Suzuki said it would "continue motocross racing activity and support of road racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles, by obtaining FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) homologation and co-operation with the supplier of its development racing kit parts." The company had been expected to quit MotoGP, the world's premier motorcycling racing, having already lost its only MotoGP rider, Alvaro Bautista, to Gresini Honda for next season. The Spaniard, who turns 27 on Monday, finished the 2011 season in 13th place. The works Rizla Suzuki team had tested former Ducati rider Randy de Puniet of France at Valencia last week. Suzuki did not join Honda, Ducati and Yamaha in public tests on 1000cc bikes for next season, fuelling speculation that a withdrawal was imminent. Suzuki last won a MotoGP race in 2007 when Australian Chris Vermeulen took the French Grand Prix. It produced five world champions since entering a works team in the premier world championship, then 500cc, for the first time in 1974. They were Barry Sheene (1976, 1977), Marco Lucchinelli (1981), Franco Uncini (1982), Kevin Schwantz (1993) and Kenny Roberts Jr. (2000) Suzuki previously had a break from the premier tour for three years before returning in 1987.