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Hayate Likely to Leave MotoGP for Moto2 in 2010

Hayate Racing Team is likely to switch their operations to the Moto2 Series next year. Although nothing has been confirmed by the MotoGP team, the fact that they signed up for the inaugural Moto2 entry list with 2 entries is reason enough for us to believe a change in strategy is under way at the Kawasaki-backed team.

Hayate Racing is currently competing in the MotoGP series on a one-bike strategy, with Italian rider Marco Melandri contesting on a Kawasaki Ninja. The team is actually living out of the funds provided by the series' promoter Dorna and Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki.

As the latter announced its withdrawal from the series prior to the beginning of the 2009 season, Dorna issued a quick response in which it summoned the Japanese manufacturer to continue its commitments in the MotoGP based on their ongoing contract (due to expire at the end of 2011) or else they will face legal actions.

However, the costs of supporting a one-bike operation inside the MotoGP and a 2-ride team inside what will become the MotoGP feeder series seems like a lot of money. More importantly, though, money that Hayate is unlikely to secure from sponsors, as the team is looking at an extra 5 million euros in order to support both MotoGP and Moto2 programmes.

Moto2 will replace the 250cc series next season, being designed to offer both the teams and drivers the chance to compete at MotoGP level with less money. The series will therefore become a preparation stage for any team or driver aspiring to MotoGP action.

Out of the current MotoGP lineup, Tech 3, Pramac Racing and Scot Racing have also joined the entry list for the inaugural Moto2 season.
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