Suzuki’s MotoGP return is much awaited and while that still needs to be confirmed what is confirmed is that they will conducting three public tests and two private ones with their new new factory 1000cc MotoGP bike. Aoki the official test rider for Suzuki told MCN that the new machine was ready by late February 2013 and had a completely new engine and chassis and was at a very good starting point for further tuning. Depending on how the in-house tests go Suzuki could even take part as early as the post race test at Catalunya. Also confirmed is that a European rider would be joining Aoki for the tests, which is highly likely to be Randy De Puniet.
Aoki
“The feeling from this bike was brilliant, the engine performance was good and the chassis feeling was great. For sure there are lot of things to improve but the basic package is very good. I was a little bit worried because they made a lot of design changes and sometimes this can be a problem but they made a great job and I was really surprised. In MotoGP the electronics are everything and because Suzuki has missed a couple of years it means there is a huge gap for us in this area compared to Honda, Yamaha and Ducati and we have to close this gap. Also out of the track I can hear the exhaust note and I can imagine what they are doing. Also the Bridgestone tyre improves every year, so the combination of the electronics and tyres determines which direction Suzuki needs to go.”
