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Marco Melandri and John Hopkins could be looking for new rides for 2009 after Kawasaki reportedly withdrew from this year’s MotoGP championship.
Hopkins may not be seen on “the Green Machine” again
Autosport.com said the reason for the pull-out was unclear, but the economic climate and poor form could be factors.Since returning to the top class in 2003 the team has failed to win a race.
The Japanese manufacturers have yet to confirm the news but on his own website Hopkins said: “Everything is up in the air and people want answers.”
If the pull-out is confirmed, it will be particularly harsh luck for both riders.
Hopkins suffered a string of injuries last year following his arrival from Suzuki, and team-mate Melandri had only just joined in a bid to revive his career after a disastrous season as Casey Stoner’s team-mate at Ducati.
There are currently no vacancies on the 2009 grid, but Jorge Martinez, the chief of the leading 125cc and 250cc Aspar teams, says he has begun talks with championship promoters Dorna about getting involved.
Melandri finished runner-up to Valentino Rossi in 2005 and his manager Alberto Vergani said the sport needed to find room for such a talented rider.
“If you think that (Dani) Pedrosa has won six Grands Prix in his career and Marco has won five, then it’s obvious that MotoGP can’t do without someone like Melandri,” he said.
“However, if Dorna is not interested in having strong riders taking part in the races, then it’s another matter. Now it’s up to Dorna to make a move.”
The global financial situation has hit motorsport and Japanese teams particularly hard this close season, with Honda pulling out of Formula One and Suzuki and Subaru withdrawing from the World Rallying championship.
Source: https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7811975.stm
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