MotoGP: Acceleration main focus for Suzuki

Improving acceleration was the main development focus for Suzuki’s engineers in preparation for the 2008 MotoGP world championship.

Suzuki Race Group Leader Fumihiro Oonishi said improving drive exiting corners had been the crucial target for the new 2008 factory GSV-R which was officially unveiled this morning (Monday, February 11).

Acceleration has been a key target for most factories during the winter, with engine performance on the exit of corners being one of the major strengths of Casey Stoner’s dominant Ducati in 2007.

Fumihiro Oonishi said: “We have developed this year’s bike with the clear aim to improve its acceleration as our main target and this has been achieved with various improvements to its engine, chassis and electronics.”

Oonishi said the performance upgrades had been achieved while having improved fuel consumption compared to last season, while Suzuki engineers have also maintained an impeccable reliability record.

Last year’s GSV-R 800 didn’t suffer a single mechanical failure during 18 races and Fumihiro Oonishi said: “We have tried to refine and improve on every detail of last year’s bike while still keeping the durability that was such a large factor in the GSV-R’s performances during 2007.

“We have lower fuel consumption, and this matched to higher engine output and an easier to ride bike.

“We are sure that this will be a good combination and provide us with good results in the 2008 MotoGP races.

“There are lots of other changes to this year’s GSV-R and these, combined with the base package of the bike and Bridgestone’s superb tyres, give Suzuki what it believes to be an excellent machine for this season’s challenge.”