Frustration builds as Suzuki stalls on 2012 decision

Factory Suzuki MotoGP boss Paul Denning has admitted the wait for a final decision on whether the Japanese factory will line-up on the grid in 2012 is building frustration within the British-based squad.

Denning was hoping to get a clear understanding of Suzuki’s future strategy during the recent Japanese Grand Prix at the Twin Ring Motegi with several senior management figures in attendance.

Denning met Suzuki General Manager Yoshiji Terada and Deputy Senior Manager Masahiko Kate, but no final decision was taken by the end of the Motegi weekend.

And he admitted that with no definitive answer, it was frustrating to leave Japan with the future of the squad still shrouded in mystery.

Suzuki cut its involvement in MotoGP in 2011 to just one bike and ever since rumours have persisted that the squad would completely withdraw at the end of the season.

And even if Suzuki does decide to race on, it will start the new 1000cc era in 2012 racing its current 800cc GSV-R machine because of delays in development of the new machine.

Denning told MCN: “The meetings in Japan were positive but at the end of the day there is still no firm decision. There is a sense of frustration but at the same time the fact remains that this is Suzuki’s team and nobody else’s. Agreeing to participate is not enough. We need to be participating with a project that can move forward and keep us in the short term at least at the reasonably competitive level we are at.”