Livio Suppo stated that the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer is still negotiating with Dorna, but even so, there is no possibility of the factory going back on its plan to leave the World Motorcycle Championship
Head of Suzuki, Livio Suppo said on Friday (24) that there is no possibility of the Hamamatsu carmaker to continue in MotoGP in the 2023 season. The leader stressed that the factory continues to negotiate with Dorna Sports, promoter of the World Motorcycle Championship, but this does not interfere with the exit of the championship.
The Japanese factory took employees and riders by surprise on May 2 when it announced right after the Spanish GP that it would withdraw from the World Championship at the end of 2022. Ten days later, the automaker issued a press release saying it was "discussing the possibility" of leaving MotoGP, but never touched the subject again.
MOTOGP STANDINGS
▶️ Quartararo wins 3rd and extends lead into MotoGP 2022
TV SCHEDULE
📺 The weekend's races on TV and streaming
On Friday, during a press conference attended by the team chiefs of Yamaha, Honda, KTM, Aprilia, Ducati and Suzuki, Suppo was asked about the situation and made it clear that, although he is still a member of the MotoGP team, he is still a member of the team.He made it clear that although there is still a negotiation with Dorna, since the contract to participate in the championship was signed until 2026, this does not change the decision.
"Suzuki has already officially confirmed that they will not compete next year," Suppo said. "What is ongoing is the negotiation with Dorna, which is something that is not my job. But, I repeat, there is no possibility that Suzuki will be here next year," he stressed.
Suppo also took the opportunity to thank the team's employees. The manager said that, despite the impact on the careers of all of them, the good atmosphere in the pits remained.
"I want to thank all the staff of the team, because despite the news, they did not give up," he said. "They kept the good mood and, of course, I am trying to help the team find solutions for next year," he followed.
"But the important thing is that, apart from the impact and the anger of the first hours, they had a very good reaction," he closed.
The team's results, however, were shaken. At the time the exit was announced, Rins appeared in title contention. Then, Suzuki scored only 13 points in four races and now ranks fifth in the Constructors' World Championship, 128 points behind Ducati, the leader.
The third practice session for the Dutch GP of MotoGP in Assen takes place this Saturday at 4:55 a.m. (EST).GRANDE PRÊMIO is following all the activities of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.