Scot Honda has dropped the only Japanese MotoGP rider, Yuki Takahashi, from their line-up for the rest of the season, citing financial constraints as the reason.

Takahashi has not exactly performed well this season and has had a number of big crashes. He has injured his back and couldn't have ridden this weekend. His spot will be permanently taken by Gabor Talmasci.

“For Honda as well as the Scot Racing Team, this is a sad announcement,” said HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto. “But we understand that the extremely challenging financial circumstances facing the team left them with no choice.
 
"Takahashi was the only Japanese rider in the MotoGP championship and of course Honda wanted to see him continue. But in the end the team made it clear that this outcome was impossible and we respect their decision. Honda will continue to support the Scot Racing Team in MotoGP with Gabor Talmacsi riding.”

This, of course, has nothing do to with the big piles of sponsorship money Talmasci can take to the team. Oh no.