Suzuki set Friday deadline to commit to MotoGP in 2012

Suzuki has until Friday to commit to the 2012 MotoGP world championship, MCN can reveal.

Suzuki team boss Paul Denning and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta met in Valencia yesterday (Monday) to discuss the future of the British-based squad.

Ezpeleta said that he would wait until Friday for a final decision, with his ultimatum demanding an assurance from Suzuki that if it does race next season, there is a guarantee that a new GSV-R 1000cc bike is on track for testing or racing by the Brno round. He also wants a commitment from Suzuki to enter with at least two machines from 2013 onwards.

Denning told MCN in Valencia earlier today: “Suzuki has been informed by Dorna that there is a deadline from their point of view. They clearly need to announce their formal plans for the 2012 championship and they need to know about Suzuki’s involvement or not. There is obviously a certain element of support that Dorna provides for the manufacturers and the teams and Carmelo basically needs to know if he needs to allocate that to Suzuki or somebody else. That deadline is the end of this working week, so everything will be clear by then.”

Suzuki’s future has been the subject of intense speculation during the second half of the season, with the Japanese factory refusing to clarify whether it will quit or continue with a one or two rider team for the inaugural 1000cc series.

The constant delays in reaching a decision appear to have tested Alvaro Bautista’s patience too much and he is poised to sign a contract with Fausto Gresini’s Honda squad to take the place of late Italian Marco Simoncelli.

Suzuki tested its 800cc machine in Valencia today, the British-based squad giving experienced French rider Randy de Puniet the chance to complete a test on the GSV-R.

Commenting on Bautista, Denning added:  “As we sit here right now, Alvaro is discussing with another team and has an offer from Suzuki to consider subject to Suzuki’s confirmation of participation on Friday.”