Suzuki poised to confirm one-bike plan

Suzuki will officially confirm it will reduce its involvement in the 2011 MotoGP world championship to just one bike after tomorrow’s final race in Valencia.

A statement is expected to be released from Japan either late tomorrow (Sunday) or early Monday morning with Suzuki planning to field only one factory GSV-R next season.

Suzuki first informed the Spanish rights holders of its intention to reduce its involvement to one bike in 2011 back in June. 

Suzuki boss Shinichi Sahara then confirmed the plan in an interview with MCN at the Misano round in early September.

Suzuki is blaming the impact of the economic crisis on its decision to downsize to one factory GSV-R.

A formal announcement confirming the plan is not likely to be the end of the matter with Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta confirming he intends to take legal action if Suzuki went ahead with the plan to slash its involvement.

He believes Suzuki is bound by the terms of its agreement with the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association to field two bikes in 2011.

But Suzuki is adamant that it will be fulfilling its commitment to participate next year, even its involvement is reduced to just one bike for Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista.