2011 results no influence on Suzuki's MotoGP future

Suzuki’s decision whether to quit MotoGP completely or return with a fully-fledged two-rider factory effort in 2012 won’t rely heavily on early season results this year.

The Japanese factory blamed the global financial crisis on its decision to reduce its involvement to one GSV-R machine in 2011 and a final decision on whether Suzuki will participate in the new 1000cc four-stroke class isn’t expected until June at the earliest.

Factory team boss Paul Denning told MCN that results would not be the crucial factor in determining Suzuki’s future MotoGP strategy after a tough start to the 2011 campaign.

Suzuki was rocked last month when Alvaro Bautista suffered an injury nightmare in Qatar when he broke his left femur in final practice. But John Hopkins rode to a brilliant 10th place on his MotoGP return in Jerez earlier this month while replacing the injured Spaniard.

Denning said: “Suzuki management has a realistic understanding that with one rider, to achieve headline grabbing results is a big ask. I would imagine from Suzuki’s point of view, to run in MotoGP is a far wider reaching decision than five years worth of results in terms of the brand and what is important to Suzuki.”

“Suzuki is a company that produces cars and marine products and small commuter bikes for the developing markets in Asia, which are becoming more and more important in terms of volume.”

“For me one of the reasons to continue is it has taken many years since the early Eighties to develop that technical ability to be a top brand and have products in all sectors that can compete with its major competitors. I think by retaining a competitive presence in MotoGP that it sends a clear message to customers and dealers that Suzuki wants to be a credible player in the market.”