( CNN ) -- MotoGP is the latest branch of motorsport to be hit by the global economic downturn as Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki ended a week of speculation by withdrawing their team . American John Hopkins rode for Kawasaki in the 2008 season with limited success . Aside from a brief spell in the 1970s , Kawasaki have been mainstays of motorcycling 's elite category but will not be supporting a work 's line-up in the 2009 season . `` Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd announced today ( Friday ) that it has decided to suspend its factory MotoGP racing activities from the 2009 season , '' read a statement . `` In a quick-changing business environment , Kawasaki has been promptly taking measures to cope with the situation , '' it added . Kawasaki are following the trend set by Honda announcing last month they were quitting Formula One and Subaru and Suzuki withdrawing from the world rally championship . While the sums of money in MotoGP are much smaller compared to Formula One , it is believed Kawasaki spent upwards of $ 40 million per year in running a Dutch-based team . American John Hopkins and Italian Marco Melandri were due to ride for Kawasaki next season . Hopkins finished 16th in last year 's overall standings while Melandri transferred from Ducati after a difficult season . Kawasaki were founder members when the former 500cc world championship was rebranded as MotoGP in 2002 , but have never topped the podium .
Kawasaki blaming global economic downturn for decision . Kawasaki joined other 500cc manufacturers in pulling out of motorsport . Marco Melandri and John Hopkins due to ride for Kawasaki quit MotoGP circuit in the 2009 season .