Aleix Espargaro: Hard to judge Suzuki potential

Aleix Espargaro reckons it is impossible to judge the true potential of Suzuki’s new factory MotoGP bike, which will return to premier class competition in 2015.

The Spaniard, who finished the historic Dutch TT in a stunning fourth after starting from pole for the first time in his MotoGP career, is one of the leading candidates to clinch one of two seats Suzuki has up for grabs next season.

Espargaro has made it clear he wants to secure a factory bike next season and while a remote possibility, his ideal scenario would be to ride a factory-backed Yamaha YZR-M1 for his current Forward Racing squad.

With an option to move to Suzuki on the cards, the 24-year-old briefly chased the new Suzuki for a short spell during the post race test in Catalunya to try and gauge its performance potential.

But after pursuing Suzuki’s development rider Randy de Puniet, he said: “The bike doesn’t look too bad. It is not really fast on the straight but it is difficult to know if the bike is competitive. Randy is not racing, so it is difficult to know his level and when you are not racing and just testing it is difficult to be fast for one hot lap. I am happy in Forward but I think every rider in the paddock wants a factory bike. I am just looking to improve and we will see what happens for next year.”