Melandri As The Lone Rider For Kawasaki

Marco Melandri admitted his surprise after learning he will be Kawasaki's only rider in their 2009 team.The sole Kawasaki in the 2009 MotoGP championship will run under the Hayate Racing banner.

Both Melandri and John Hopkins had contracts with the previous Kawasaki Racing Team for the 2009 MotoGP season, but the release was clear: 'Rider for the new MotoGP team will be the Italian Marco Melandri.'

However, Melandri claims he has not yet officially agreed to such a project and is waiting to see how the new 2009 ZX-RR performs during the forthcoming Qatar test, which starts on Sunday.

The Japanese outfit have scaled down their entry instead of withdrawing from the competition completely, leaving rider John Hopkins without a ride.

Melandri told Sportsmediaset.it: "It was a surprise. I knew they were looking for a new team name but that was all. They've not contacted me."

Kawasaki Officially Withdrawing From MotoGp

Unfortunately 1 manufacturer have to reverse from MotoGP, there is no choice for the Kawasaki management,Kawasaki issued a fund of about U.S. $ 43.8 million per year to be in MotoGP.
The official statement of Kawasaki management listed 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."