British MotoGP: Suzuki not showing full potential, says boss

Suzuki boss Paul Denning is adamant that the 2010 factory GSV-R machine has not yet shown its true potential after a frustrating and disappointing start to the campaign. 

Veteran campaigner Loris Capirossi has already crashed out of two of the opening four races and scored just 13-points to sit 15th in the overall rankings heading into this weekend’s British GP at Silverstone. 

Meanwhile Spanish team-mate Alvaro Bautista has been severely handicapped by a weakened left shoulder he broke shortly before the French GP at Le Mans.

The former 125GP world champion has mustered only eight points with Suzuki comprehensively outshone by rivals Yamaha, Ducati and Honda.

Team boss Paul Denning conceded the start to 2010 had been below pre-season expectations, with the latest version of Suzuki’s V4 GSV-R contender arguably its best since the opening 800cc premier class campaign in 2007.

Denning said: “Where we are right now obviously stinks but there is a lot to do. The only positive aspect is that the bike has definitely improved and when the rider confidence improves I think we have a competitive machine.

“I don’t think for a moment we can go and challenge Jorge (Lorenzo) or Dani (Pedrosa) to win races but I think we can fight for top positions and be on the group that’s on the TV and in the race.

“Suzuki has done a good job with the bike, they’ve won before and are doing very well in the World Superbike championship but in racing you need everything to gel together and it hasn’t quite happened yet. It is reasonable package right now.

“All the bikes are really good and the riders are high quality and everyone has the same tyre, so small details are making a big difference and rider confidence is a huge part of that. We need to focus on a bike that allows the riders to use it 100 per cent ability all the time.

“It is frustrating when the bike has definitely improved a lot. Alvaro has no reference point with last year’s bike but Loris is basically really happy with the bike and really happy with improvements to acceleration and power delivery. It’s the first year I’ve not heard our riders complain about engine performance.”