Suzuki not returning until 2015
Reports from Catalunya today suggest that Suzuki’s long awaited return to MotoGP will not be until 2015.
With Suzuki in action three times next week, with Randy De Puniet testing in Montmelo on Monday, and Aragon on Tuesday and Wednesday, and with most tests to come, under the leadership of Davide Brivio, it was hoped that Suzuki were going to be back in the Grand Prix paddock in 2014.
However it has now appears that it is all coming just too soon for the Japanese brand, and they will be postponing their return by 12 months.
This will come as a knock to Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow and Randy De Puniet amongst others who were all leading contenders for the ride should Suzuki have returned next season.
It remains to be seen what Dorna’s reaction to Suzuki’s decision is. They had offered the Japanese brand a lot to come back to the series, and had insisted on a two rider effort to their return.
The testing schedule isn’t expected to be effected by the decision, and official confirmation from Suzuki is expected to come tomorrow after the days testing.
UPDATE
The following press release was issued this morning:
Suzuki Motor Corporation will return to FIM Road Racing Grand Prix MotoGP in 2015
After two years suspension since 2012, Suzuki Motor Corporation has organised its test team to undergo more practical running tests at its advanced development stage and will participate in the official joint testing to be held at the Catalunya circuit in Spain.
Through continuing running tests at the circuits inside and outside Japan for further development and refinement, Suzuki Motor Corporation will participate again in MotoGP racing from 2015.
Suzuki Motor Corporation will feed back advanced technology to be derived through MotoGP racing activity to develop further attractive production models.
“The outline of testing team and racing machine to be developed are as follows:
Chief members of Europe testing team in 2013:
– Team manager: Davide Brivio
– Development rider: Randy De Puniet
MotoGP machine to be developed:
– 1000cc In-line four GP racer
