Suzuki confirm one-bike for 2011

Suzuki has confirmed it will run only one factory GSV-R in the 2011 MotoGP world championship.

The Japanese factory released a short statement overnight confirming it would reduce its involvement and field only one bike to be campaigned by Spaniard Alvaro Bautista.

Suzuki first informed Dorna of its intention to reduce its involvement to one bike in 2011 back in June.

Suzuki boss Shinichi Sahara made the plan public 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.

The statement read: ‘Suzuki Motor Corporation wishes to thank all customers and race fans who supported the Suzuki MotoGP Team in 2010.

“With the experience and knowledge gained in 2010 the Suzuki MotoGP Team will move forward with great passion and effort in search of glory in 2011.

“The Suzuki MotoGP Team will participate in 2011 with a single rider, Alvaro Bautista. Alvaro joined the team in 2010 and made good progress with GSV-R, the Suzuki Grand Prix machine, improving his results throughout the season.

“Suzuki will continue to make the best use of the short time to the start of the 2011 MotoGP season to develop the GSV-R machine for this, the pinnacle class of motorcycle racing, and we thank all Suzuki customers and race fans for their continued support.’