Kawasaki bow out of WSB

Kawasaki has announced it’s pulling out of World Superbikes to concentrate on its fledgling MotoGP programme.

The annoucement has long been expected – this year was the last in which its ageing ZX-7R could remain in homolgation for the series and the factory has no replacement machine in the pipeline.

Harald Eckl, the Fuchs Kawasaki boss, said: ” We’ve enjoyed six fantastic years in World Superbikes and we’ll take away a lot of good memories.

A special thanks must go to the riders –who have always given their all despite the fact that at times the regulations have made it difficult for us to be as competitive as we’d have liked.

” I sincerely hope that the loyal fans who have followed us in WSB over the years will continue to support the team as we move to MotoGP next season.

Kawasaki has confirmed Fabain Foret and Andrew Pitt will ride in WSS and MotoGP next year alongside two as yet to be confirmed partners.