Dorna Sports Says Suzuki Can't Decide To Quit MotoGP On Its Own

MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports has officially told Suzuki that it cannot unilaterally decide to quit MotoGP since the contract is through to the end of 2026. Earlier in this week, rumours surfaced that Suzuki was set to quit MotoGP at the end of 2022. After withdrawing from the sport in 2011, the Japanese brand made its full time return to MotoGP in 2015, and soon came to limelight by winning its first race in 2016 with Maverick Vinales at Silverstone. In 2020, Joan Mir also won Suzuki its first world title in 20 years. Following its recent successes, rumours that Suzuki might quit MotoGP at the end of this year were quite surprising. According to reports, heads of Suzuki gathered all members of the MotoGP team on Monday and communicated its decision to quit the series at the end of the year.

Dorna Sports soon issued a statement however, saying that it has "officially contacted the factory following recent rumours they'll be departing MotoGP at the end of 2022". According to Dorna, Suzuki cannot unilaterally decide to quit MotoGP, as they are contracted to race in MotoGP till the end of 2026. Suzuki's statement - which was expected to come soon after the rumours - has been delayed, presumably because of the statement issued by Dorna Sports.

Dorna also stated that should it come to an agreement with Suzuki and if the Japanese marque departs MotoGP at the end of 2022, Dorna will decide the ideal number of riders and teams to compete in MotoGP from 2023. Dorna also says that there's 'high levels' of interest to join the MotoGP grid from factories as well as independent teams, and that it has re-confirmed these interests in the past 24 hours.

The future of Alex Rins in MotoGP remains unclear.

These rumours have left the futures of riders Joan Mir and Alex Rins uncertain. The contracts of both the riders end in 2022. Mir stated earlier in the season that he had intentions to continue with the Japanese manufacturer post 2022, and Rins also said that Suzuki indicated that it was keen to retain him for 2023. It is now also rumoured that Joan Mir could move to Honda to race alongside Marc Marquez, and replace Pol Esparago, but the future of Alex Rins in the sport is still very unclear.