Marco Melandri will race in the 2009 MotoGP world championship as part of a one-man Kawasaki team.
Kawasaki confirmed its plans to quit MotoGP in January because of the global economic crisis, but after negotiations involving Kawasaki and Dorna, an agreement has been reached for the Japanese factory to field a one rider team.
Today Kawasaki’s European website has pubblished this press release:Kawasaki announces that after constructive talks between Kawasaki, Dorna and other involved parties, a new one rider Team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP Championship season.
This decision was made after negotiations that followed Kawasaki’s January 2009 announcement to suspend its factory supported MotoGP activities due to the economic crisis.
Rider for the new MotoGP team will be the Italian Marco Melandri.
The team will be equipped with Kawasaki motorcycles and supporting materials.
That Kawasaki has come to this new team approach is the result of on the one hand the need for a strong reduction of MotoGP racing investments and on the other hand the necessity to come to constructive solutions for all related parties.
The new team will disclose more details about its 2009 season’s plans on a short notice.
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