WSBK, Ichiro Yoda, Kawasaki: “MotoGP costs at least ten times more than WSBK”

Among all the motorcycle brands that are engaged at the highest level of speed racing on the circuit, there are two that do not play together in the two major categories that are MotoGP and WSBK. These are BMW and Kawasaki. The first coat of arms mentioned has never been in a Grand Prix, and it therefore has an excuse that cannot be claimed by the second which, for this reason, annoys... Dorna would even try to cut the wings of its ZX10R in a regulatory manner to push the greens towards MotoGP. But nothing happens, and listening to Akashi's pundits, it's not going to happen anytime soon...

Kawasaki and motorcycle speed, it is a complicated relationship which dates from the withdrawal of MotoGP in 2009. A decision following the financial crisis at the time. However, Kawasaki continued on the circuits entering 2010 in WSBK. A decision that the Akashi brand does not regret. No other manufacturer has had more success since 2012 in the category. In 2013, the greens won the pilots' classification with Tom Sykes, and the last five years with Jonathan Rhea.

Kawasaki invests in its technology ZX-10RR. Almost every year new models are approved in order to maintain the role of technical pioneer despite constant changes in the rules. With Sale, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has the most expensive superbike rider besides Álvaro bautista (Honda). The Northern Irishman won his fifth consecutive world title. With now 88 victories, he is the rider par excellence in the world championship of motorcycles derived from the series and he has long surpassed the legendary Carl Fogarty (59 victories, four world championship titles).

So why go and tempt the devil in MotoGP? Yoshimoto Matsuda, chief developer of the Kawasaki ZX-10R and Superbike project manager insists: “ MotoGP is not the right path for us. You have to think about what MotoGP requires of you, what technology is needed. And what it brings you. If we take all this into account, MotoGP is not our choice ».

His colleague Ichiro Yoda is of this opinion. On speedweek, He specifies : " MotoGP is too expensive for Kawasaki, it's a financial decision on our part. MotoGP costs at least ten times more than SBK. For MotoGP you need 60 or 70 million euros per year, Honda spends 100 million. Moreover, we cannot convince the senior management of Kawasaki for fifth place in the MotoGP World Championship. You expect wins, regardless of the category. This is why the World Superbike Championship makes more sense for Kawasaki from a financial point of view. »

Meanwhile, Ducati, Honda and Yamaha are fighting on two fronts while Suzuki, Aprilia and KTM favor MotoGP like Kawasaki favors WSBK.