Marco Melandri disappointed at Kawasaki exit

Marco Melandri has told MCN of his disappointment that Kawasaki will quit MotoGP at the end of the 2009 season.

Having withdrawn its official factory team back in January because of the global economic crisis, Kawasaki opted to support Melandri in a one-rider team under the Hayate name.

But despite some impressive results from Melandri in 2009, including a brilliant second place at the rain-hit French GP in Le Mans, Kawasaki has not been convinced enough to continue in 2010.

Melandri and all the Hayate staff were told they were free to look for alternative work next season during last month’s German GP at the Sachsenring, and the former world 250GP champion told MCN: “I’m disappointed because the engine on the bike is very good.

“It has been the biggest step from last year because it is powerful and very smooth. With a small budget we could also improve the chassis and the electronics a lot. But they just want to retire. This year with no money I was sixth in the championship after halfway in front of one HRC bike, one factory Ducati and both Suzukis, so we have done a good job.

“Nobody could have expected this but I have to respect the Kawasaki choice.” Melandri will return to Fausto Gresini’s satellite Honda squad in 2010 despite having talks with Suzuki’s factory team and LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello.