Suzuki dismiss downsize rumours

Suzuki has dismissed growing speculation that its disastrous results will see the Japanese factory quit or drastically reduce its involvement in MotoGP for 2011.

The factory GSV-R is undoubtedly the least competitive bike in MotoGP and there are fears that Suzuki will end its participation with a £30m investment barely justified by a series of abysmal results.

Latest rumour to emerge in Brno last weekend was that Suzuki would not completely withdraw for 2011. But it would field only one GSV-R for the already contracted Alvaro Bautista.

Factory boss Paul Denning said: “There is always a rumour about Suzuki pulling out and reducing its involvement but as it sits of right now, Suzuki is committed to maintaining its current level of involvement.

“Keeping the credibility of Suzuki as a top brand is imperative and MotoGP is a very important part of that strategy. The focus now is more on improvement rather than any fundamental change of plan.”

Suzuki’s last podium was two years ago when Loris Capirossi finished third in Brno.