Suzuki finally debut seamless gearbox

Suzuki have finally debuted their new seamless gearbox, taking to track at Sepang with Maverick Viñales just before the winter testing ban came into force for the first time with the significantly improved component.

The seamless box, first debuted by Honda in 2011, gives smoother acceleration out of corners by reducing the ‘clunk’ typically associated with gear changes by seamlessly engaging the next gear with the current ratio still driving.

Speaking to MCN after the test, though, Brivio says that now the box is in place, they can start to make progress both with it and the new standardised software to be shared among all the teams.

“We had a very interesting test in Sepang, with the seamless gearbox that we spent some time waiting for during the season. Now it’s ready, and although we only had Viñales as Espargaro was injured, the feeling from it was very positive, and we can see a big improvement, a big help, from his performances.

“We’ve continued to get more experience with the Michelin tyres, as well as testing for the first time with the 2016 unified software. We still have a lot to do with it – a lot to learn – and we need to find the right parameters and adjustments. But we’ve started now, and we’ve already got some very good data for our engineers to work on over the winter break.

“We’re looking forward now to being back in Sepang, hopefully with an evolution of the engine, the seamless, and maybe some better adjustments with the electronics – and we will see how ready we will be for the first race.”