BSB: Suzuki plotting 2017 GSX-R title attack

Suzuki have exclusively confirmed to MCN that they are in the midst of planning an assault on the 2017 MCE British Superbike title with the brand new GSX-R1000.

The Japanese firm had originally unveiled a pre-production version of the latest GSX-R last year, but it wasn’t until the INTERMOT show this week in Cologne that we saw the bike that is expected to hit dealers next Spring.

Suzuki’s BSB future was thrown in to jeopardy when current Suzuki team boss Martin Halsall announced his Bennetts-backed team would seek a new manufacturer next season, citing a lack of information about the 2017 bike’s availability and an allegedly costly parts programme as reasons for this.

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However, upon unveiling the new bike. Suzuki have now confirmed they are working on plans to see a two-rider team on the grid next year.

“We’re really excited about racing the new GSX-R1000 in British Superbikes in 2017,” said Rob Cooper, Suzuki GB’s Marketing Manager. “Racing is a huge part of our history and is very important to us as a brand. With the new GSX-R boasting the same race-winning pedigree as the GSX-RR MotoGP machine, our aim is to be at the front next season with a two-rider team and the sole target of fighting for the championship. We are working now to make sure that we have the right package in place, so testing can begin over winter.”

MCN understands Suzuki GB are in talks with several existing BSB teams, including the Hawk Racing outfit which currently runs Buildbase BMW, while ex-Crescent Suzuki boss Jack Valentine is also thought to be interested in setting up a team. 

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