Suzuki boss upset at Honda tyre switch

Factory Suzuki boss Paul Denning has condemned Dani Pedrosa and Honda for their controversial switch to Bridgestone tyres.

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Suzuki has been with Bridgestone since 2003 and Denning told MCN: “We have gone through difficult times in development year’s, as have Ducati and Kawasaki. And we find ourselves in a position where Bridgestone is now clearly competitive.

“So it is a touch disappointing to see Bridgestone’s hand forced into supplying a competitor in the middle of the season. The strangest thing for me is that Honda would capitulate to the riders demands. And secondly that Bridgestone would feel it necessary to meet Honda’s request in the middle of the season.

“I don’t question Bridgestone’s judgement for one second and there must be very solid reasons behind it, but it is a strange situation and a worrying situation.

Denning said Pedrosa’s move was another example of how rider power had reached new levels in MotoGP.

“The riders are the right people to have the final say on issues of safety. That is without question on safety that the riders should be consulted in detail, but when a rider can demand from a manufacturer like Honda mid-season to break a long-standing relationship with Michelin, it absolutely stinks.”