Suzuki has finally officially confirmed it is to pull its factory teams out of the world championship MXGP and MX2 classes and the All-Japan series. And as it will also no longer have an official factory team in the USA, replaced by the private JGR effort, it means there will be no official factory Suzuki motocross team for the first time in 45 years.

The GP team, run by Stefan Everts, was folded recently. Everts wasn’t even at the Motocross of Nations, despite his rider Kevi Strijbos competing. It looks like Everts is likely to spend 2018 coaching his son Liam.

Jeremy Seewer has been linked with a ride on Wilvo Yamaha in MXGP and Hunter Lawrence is going to Honda for MX2.

The official announcement says:

Suzuki Motor Corporation has decided to suspend the FIM World MXGP Championship and All Japan Motocross activities from 2018.

Suzuki Motor Corporation, having reviewed its Motorcycle operations to focus on the core business functions and restructuring of our motorcycle business, concluded to suspend the MXGP activities from 2018.

Suzuki will continue to produce RM-Z250 and 450 series and support those customers the entire world.

Suzuki expresses its great appreciation to sponsors and fans around the world for their strong support to its activities. The company will continue to provide valued products for its customers by utilising the experiences earned through the Racing activities.