Suzuki confirms its plans to re-enter MotoGP from 2015 onwards

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that it will participate in MotoGP™ from 2015, with Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales as their two riders. With the development of the MotoGP machine and team structure prepared, Suzuki has decided to participate in MotoGP from 2015, and announced its newly-developed MotoGP machine, the GSX-RR, team riders, and team structure

We have to enter and see where we are; how much work we have to do! 

Davide Brivio - Suzuki MotoGP Team Manager

The team will be led by current test team manager Davide Brivio with Spanish riders Espargaro and Viñales recruited to spearhead Suzuki’s efforts on track. Also, prior to its participation, Suzuki will make a wildcard appearance at this season’s final race, the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana. Suzuki had temporarily suspended its participation in MotoGP from 2012, but has been continuing with the machine development toward its return. Through MotoGP racing, Suzuki will develop more attractive products by giving technical feedback to the products, as well as improve the brand image.

New MotoGP protoype has been developed for past two years

The development of the GSX-RR was started in 2012 with the aim to achieve high performance in the MotoGP class, as well as to give technology feedback to production models such as the GSX-R range. It equips a newly developed in-line four-cylinder engine that realizes a strong, flexible engine character, fuel efficiency, and durability at a high level. The frame has a layout that keeps its width slim for both maneuverability and aerodynamic performances, and optimizes body strength and weight balance.The aim was to develop a highly competitive MotoGP machine that can bring out the straightforward maneuverability developed over the years with the GSX-R.

The aim was to develop a highly competitive MotoGP machine that can bring out the straightforward maneuverability developed over the years with the GSX-R. The aim was to develop a highly competitive MotoGP machine that can bring out the straightforward maneuverability developed over the years with the GSX-R.

Team manager Brivio engaged in a brief Q&A session following the announcement where he spoke about the upcoming challenges the team faces in re-entering the premier road racing World Championship.

How long have you been working with the Suzuki MotoGP team? 
“Since the beginning, in April 2013 I joined Suzuki and carried on the preparation.” 

Can you tell us if the new bike uses any parts from the old GSV-R MotoGP bike? 
“No, the GSX-RR is completely new. It's a total redesign from a blank sheet of paper.” 

Why has Suzuki moved to an inline-four design? 
“Well, to be also closer to our production bikes. One of the aims of participation in MotoGP is to develop technology to transfer to production bikes. So using the same engine layout there means stronger links to our production. That’s the target; the aim.” 

What areas are you working on now?
“Now we are working a lot on the electronics, because the electronics are very sophisticated in MotoGP and we have been out for a few years, so we need to recover. And also we are working on engine performance - not so much the top speed of the engine - but more the drivability of the engine and the power. And we have to enter and see where we are; how much work we have to do!” 

Source: www.suzuki-racing.com