Yamaha announces WSBK withdrawal

[SpeedLimit?]

Only a day after one of its best weekends of the season, Yamaha has dropped a bombshell by announcing its departure from the World Superbike Championship at the end of 2011

It had been rumoured for a while, in fairness, although the timing could arguably have been better, as just a day after Eugene Laverty and Marco Melandri twice finished second and third respectively at Silverstone, Yamaha has announced that it is to withdraw from the World Superbike Championship come season's end.

Yamaha's commitment to WSBK has been the topic of speculation inside the paddock for a good many months, but ironically, whilst many had tipped the company to pull the plug at the end of the 2010 campaign – with Cal Crutchlow its best-placed rider in fifth in the final rankings, and just fourth spot in the manufacturers' standings – 2011 has been distinctly more competitive, with Melandri and Laverty sitting third and fourth in the points table at present, and Yamaha second only to Ducati.

What's more, only recently, the Italian strongly suggested that he would be staying put at the Yamaha World Superbike Team next year [see separate story – click here], whilst the Ulsterman is on a two-year deal.

Nonetheless, as of 2012, there will be no 'works' Yamaha representation in the World Superbike Championship – with 'severe' market conditions bearing the brunt of the blame.

'Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. (YME) has decided to withdraw their official Yamaha World Superbike Team at the end of the current season from the FIM Superbike World Championship', reads a statement. 'This announcement follows a full strategic review of the marketing operations within Europe, including all motorsport activities, and takes into account the continuing severe and rapidly-changing Powered Two-Wheeler market conditions throughout the region.

'Due to this decision, more resource and focus will now be used for direct 'customer' activities to ultimately add more value to Yamaha ownership and increased customer satisfaction.

'YME would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the total commitment, support and passion shown by the extremely professional and dedicated riders and team members both past and present throughout the many years of participation in the FIM Superbike World Championship.

'YME would also like to thank all the highly-valued business partners and suppliers who have in-turn supported the team, and in addition would like to thank Infront Motorsports, the FIM Superbike World Championship promoters. YME has chosen this timing of announcement to ensure that all existing obligations are correctly met, and to not limit any opportunities or future planning for all personnel involved.

'Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty are currently respectively third and fourth in the overall 2011 FIM Superbike World Championship standings for riders with four rounds to go. YME and the team will continue to give its maximum efforts until the end of the existing season to try and regain the World Superbike title which Yamaha also won in 2009.

'Yamaha will continue the availability of road racing kit parts, known as YEC Racing kit parts, for its R1 and R6 production models for private teams entering at all racing levels.'

Source:Yamaha announces WSBK withdrawal | WSBK News | Aug 2011 | Crash.Net

[Fanny Bay R1]

I think the Japanese factories get a little tired of the Europeans setting the rules all the time!! Anyway I'm sure there will be a factory supported team like Althea, they're doing pretty well this year and there is no factory Ducati, Honda or Suzuki (I believe!!). Not unexpected.

[DucmanST3]

Jeez I guess that will leave Rossi looking for a ride

[dburkland]

Originally Posted by Fanny Bay R1

I think the Japanese factories get a little tired of the Europeans setting the rules all the time!! Anyway I'm sure there will be a factory supported team like Althea, they're doing pretty well this year and there is no factory Ducati, Honda or Suzuki (I believe!!). Not unexpected.

My thoughts exactly, it's a win win from their point of view if they follow Ducati's approach to WSBK (they still get the exposure and marketing benefits that come with it while spending less cash)

[rcrob]

Honda and Suzuki currently suck ass in WSBK as Yamaha did prior to bringing their team in house. There is every reason to believe that Yamaha would go back to sucking badly if they do farm it out (if they farm it out). The other thing to consider is that the R1 is getting a little long in the tooth, by Japanese bike standards, and they may choose to just sit out especially if they don't have a replacement ready to launch in 2012.

[Mad Dog]

all Japanese industry is in the dumps and everyone is searching for ways to survive without having to dump all kinds of workers, etc. A lot of this comes from the inordinately strong yen and of course from the earthquake/tsunami problems. Honda just announced a 90% drop in earnings, but they are still doing well in bike sales and of course in cars. Tough times here.

[Darbone]

The WSBK budget has got to be a fraction of what they spend in MotoGP. So, if this decision is driven and caused by economics and they plan to focus on production and sales of street bikes how will they justify staying in MotoGP ? or is that going to be pulled as well ? (unlikely)

Everyone had something to say when Ducati made this decision last year, attributing the pull out to money spent on Rossi in MotoGP. IS Yamaha planning on getting Rossi back as a rider ?

[DucmanST3]

Steve Martin
Last rumor of the night Dfx Pata team from Aprillia to Yamaha next year?

[rcrob]

Originally Posted by Darbone

The WSBK budget has got to be a fraction of what they spend in MotoGP. So, if this decision is driven and caused by economics and they plan to focus on production and sales of street bikes how will they justify staying in MotoGP ? or is that going to be pulled as well ? (unlikely)

Everyone had something to say when Ducati made this decision last year, attributing the pull out to money spent on Rossi in MotoGP. IS Yamaha planning on getting Rossi back as a rider ?

WSBK=Yamaha Europe (the European distributor of Yamaha Motorcycles)
MotoGP= Yamaha The Corporate mother ship in Japan who actually MAKES the bikes.
MotoGP is regarded both as marketing and R&D, WSBK is purely marketing.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by Darbone

The WSBK budget has got to be a fraction of what they spend in MotoGP. So, if this decision is driven and caused by economics and they plan to focus on production and sales of street bikes how will they justify staying in MotoGP ? or is that going to be pulled as well ? (unlikely)

Everyone had something to say when Ducati made this decision last year, attributing the pull out to money spent on Rossi in MotoGP. IS Yamaha planning on getting Rossi back as a rider ?

I am sure Yamaha would love to have Rossi back.......he brings money with him (and he can also take it away as Yamaha has seen first hand). It is sad that Yamaha was won the last 3 MotoGP titles and does not have a title sponsor for this year. He would also be up there with Lorenzo battling with the HRC fleet.