Suzuki will return to competitive MotoGP action for the first time in four years after announcing their participation in the 2015 season. In a statement released this morning, Suzuki Motor Corporation detailed the plans for their comeback, as well as the key personnel involved.
“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
Suzuki last raced in the MotoGP World Championship in 2011 with Alvaro Bautista on board the GSV-R although the final year only yielded a best finish of fifth and the occasional front row start. Initial signs are positive though with Randy de Puniet eighth quickest in the post-Catalunya GP test, just 0.772s behind pacesetter Jorge Lorenzo and ahead of three current prototypes, Bradley Smith’s Tech 3 Yamaha and the Pramac Ducatis of Andrea Iannone and Michele Pirro.
