About ten days ago, a private Motorsport.com page reported that Suzuki would bow out at the season’s end. In the MotoGP World Championship, the marque had previously crowned a world champion in 2020, with Joan Mir, the Mallorcan rider who helped secure the title. The official chatter from the Japanese factory remained cautious, offering no definitive exit. Instead, there were indications of negotiations with the organizers to adjust or potentially end the contract. The consensus among observers is that by 2026 the team could be at a crossroads, with Mir and fellow Spaniard Álex Rins understood to be weighing their options beyond the current paddock. There is talk that Livio Suppo, the Italian figurehead, would stay on for another two seasons as team manager for the blue squad.
Thank you all
Suzuki received a rapid notice from Dorna, leaving no room for unilateral moves. Reports indicate that the company is exploring, in collaboration with the Spanish partner, the possibility of leaving the World Championship at the close of the present season. The rationale centers on a strategic shift toward concentrating resources—economic, human, and technological—into the automotive sector, thereby realigning its priorities. In a succinct statement, Suzuki signaled a farewell that remains unconfirmed, thanking Dorna, the World Championship, and the remarkable team members who helped build the brand’s legacy. Such gratitude underscores the sense of closure for a storied racing program.
More motorcycles, less snow
The remaining communication from Suzuki carries a curious tone and a hint of restraint after a period of silence. It coincides with a holiday week in Japan, a time when the company also presented its latest fiscal-year results. The numbers showed record motorcycle sales but profits below expectations, attributed in part to elevated raw-material costs. Even as news spread about a possible MotoGP departure, Suzuki signaled a hope that motorcycle sales would continue to rise in the near term, with profitability improving in the coming years. The overall message reflects a company prioritizing core manufacturing strengths while navigating economic headwinds.
In reassessing its strategic footprint, Suzuki emphasizes the intention to maintain momentum in its automotive ventures while reassessing its international racing commitments. The company’s leadership appears focused on steady growth: keeping core brands strong, investing in technology, and pursuing efficiencies that could bolster long-term financial health. The public discourse around MotoGP remains uncertain, but the broader trajectory highlights a push toward stronger balance between racing heritage and industrial diversification.