According to reports in the press, Suzuki is about to announce officially that it is pulling out of the MotoGP series with a possible return in 2014.

An e-mail sent to the team members which has been leaked out, states that Suzuki won’t be returning to the premier-class next year.

We already know that the team’s only full-time rider Alavaro Bautista has already signed for Gresini Honda although Randy de Puniet, who tested with Suzuki in Valencia last week, has made numerous comments about his desire to join Suzuki next year.

Suzuki last won the MotoGP title with Kenny Roberts in 2000, but has taken just one race win - with Chris Vermeulen at a wet Le Mans in 2007 - during the four-stroke era. The team's most recent podium appearance was at Brno in 2008.

The departure of Suzuki is also likely to send John Hopkins to World Superbike, alongside Leon Camier at Denning's Crescent Suzuki team.