MotoGP: Suzuki oppose performance restrictions

Suzuki will oppose any future plans to introduce further performance restrictions in the MotoGP world championship.

Further reducing the fuel tank capacity from 21 litres and introducing a rev limit have been tentatively discussed within the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association in 2008.

The talks followed concern from some quarters that the new generation 800cc machines are developing too quickly, and that performance restrictions might need to be considered on safety grounds.

New HRC Managing Director Kosuke Yasutake said he had concerns that the 800s were already too fast in only the second season of competition.

The proposals though are not universally supported, with Ducati strongly opposed to any performance limits.

Suzuki has come out and stated its position, with factory team boss Paul Denning telling MCN: “I haven’t discussed anything with the Suzuki race department other than to say that Suzuki were not at all interested in any of the proposals that were discussed.

In terms of regulations, the most important thing is keeping consistency for the long-term. That’s the best way to even up competition and the best way to control costs.”