The former 250cc world champion was promoted to full time race rider following the departure of
Shinya Nakano at the end of last season, but struggled to get the most from his ZX-RR - scoring points in just one race - and has frequently been injured, causing the Frenchman to miss three of the seven events, including the recent Catalan Grand Prix.
"From the beginning of this
MotoGP season I crashed on several occasions, often with severe injuries to my back, cervical vertebrae and right forearm," confirmed OJ. "Right now I feel tired and physically diminished. I find it very hard to recover from my injuries and don't feel competitive enough to ride at top level. I've invested myself a lot in this sport, but my body keeps telling me it's maybe time to move on.
"Obviously, this was a difficult decision to take, but Kawasaki have been understanding and we have reached agreements for the future which will allow me to stay involved in the racing world, for which I am passionate, and play a role from the other side of the fence.
"I don't wish to compromise Kawasaki Racing Team's chances any more, because this team has true potential, which is also clearly the case for the machine. It has been frustrating for me to know my team was stranded while I was in hospital. I wish them plenty of success with a new young rider because they really deserve it. Furthermore, I would like to thank them for their unfailing support.
"Naturally, I have special thoughts for Mr Ichiro Yoda, Kawasaki Racing Team's racing director with whom I was 250cc world champion in 2000, also finishing a fine MotoGP second in the 2005 rain-soaked Chinese GP.
"It's an important stage in my life, a new start, but I will stay involved in motorcycle racing since Kawasaki have renewed their trust in me as development rider and technical advisor. I am truly satisfied with this compromise, to keep working with people I appreciate and respect. I hope my implication will allow Kawasaki to make further progress because the team's potential has recently and clearly been shown.
"I wish all the team the very best possible results and can assure you I will be totally focused in the development work I have been entrusted with again. I am convinced that Kawasaki Racing Team has only just begun its MotoGP success, and to bring my contribution to this fine setup will always delight me.
"I really wish to thank all the people who supported me throughout my racing career, in the good moments and the more difficult times, my supporters, my fan's club, the teams for which I competed, my family and friends. I would like to tell them that together we experienced some extraordinary times and that, thanks to them all, I can look back positively on all these years."
