British MotoGP: Kevin Schwantz waiting on Suzuki's third MotoGP bike plan

Kevin Schwantz has again reiterated his desire to make a full-time return to the MotoGP world championship in 2008.

The Texan legend has been the subject of intense speculation he will return next season in a management role for a new satellite Suzuki squad to be run by Spanish former world 125 champion Jorge Martinez.

Kevin Schwantz and Jorge Martinez are both awaiting a decision from Suzuki’s Japanese management on whether the factory will commit to running a third GSV-R on the 2008 grid. 

A decision is expected imminently with Jorge Martinez keen to forge ahead with plans, but Suzuki is stalling on a decision, as there is a worry that committing an extra bike might have an impact on the factory team. That decision is not expected at this weekend’s British MotoGP at Donington Park.

In a statement Kevin Schwantz released yesterday (Wednesday) he said: “There have been many rumours about my future plans that I would like to clarify.

“My entire career was spent in MotoGP and I have the desire to return at a management level. I have expressed my desire to Suzuki and am waiting to hear what opportunities there may be. Until I receive confirmation from Suzuki Motor Corporation as to when-where-and-how, it is all speculation.”

Schwantz recently attended the Catalunya GP in Spain and will be back in the paddock for next weekend’s Dutch GP in Assen.

In Barcelona earlier this month Schwantz said: “It’s still definitely in the talking stages. I think the big ‘if’ right now is if Suzuki can supply a bike. So we’re just waiting to hear back from Japan exactly what the scoop is there.

“I think somebody like the Aspar team that has Jorge and all those guys involved and he’s working so much with the younger kids bringing them into racing, it’s a great opportunity for Suzuki. But it’s just a manpower thing, if they have the ability.

“But I think with everything starting to get better like it is with their MotoGP effort, that they’re really concerned that if they stretch themselves just a little bit thin, everything is going to be affected negatively.”