The return from Kawasaki

[JVA]

Kawasaki have announced their intention to return to Grand Prix racing full time from 2003. The Japanese firm's European representative Geoff Selvidge made the announcement in Paris, revealing that their objective is to run a 4 stroke in the new category which will replace the 500cc series next year. No further details of the project have been revealed as yet..

[moto1]

This could have something to do with Kawasaki and Suzuki joining forces in the development field. The press release says they hope to have there first joint model in two years (2003).

[racer69]

Apparently they have pulled out of the World Superbikes as well.

[Gerrit]

Latest is that, although Kawasaki intended to build an inline four, they will now be using the Suzuki V-4 as a result of the Suzuki/Kawasaki joint venture. Makes no sense to me- two different teams, in different colours, with the same bike? Twice the expense, and if the Suzuki is not competitive, then the Kawasaki automatically isn't either. No doubt this idea comes from some accountant, who completely ignores such things as brand loyalty/identification etc.
But then an accountant is defined as somebody who knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing.