Suzuki never considered delaying MotoGP return until 2016

Suzuki had no intention of further delaying its MotoGP return to 2016, despite major technical rule changes in advance of the Japanese factory’s much-hyped comeback.

Suzuki has spent months of pain-staking and expensive work preparing to return to MotoGP next season on Bridgestone tyres, while also using their own developed Mitsubishi electronics software.

But Suzuki’s engineering staff will then have to invest heavily again for 2016, with Bridgestone giving way to Michelin as official tyre supplier. A spec ECU will also be implemented for all bikes at the same time, placing a heavy financial burden on Suzuki, which doesn’t have the financial clout or the manpower to match Japanese rivals Honda and Yamaha.

Suzuki had originally intended to return to premier class competition in 2014, but postponed its plans by one year to give itself more time to develop a competitive package.

There was never a plan though to take the opportunity to develop its new 1000cc contender on the new spec Michelin tyres or controlled electronics during 2015.

Team boss Davide Brivio told MCN: “I think it is better to race in 2015 than stay out another year. When we come back in 2015 we will have our electronics and we will have Bridgestone tyres, so at the start we will be in the same situation as everybody else.”

Brivio actually believes that the forthcoming major technical changes could revolutionise MotoGP and equalise performance between the big factories.

He added: “Tyres and electronics are two very important parts of this sport and I think we will see many changes in 2016. The common ECU might create more balance between the different brands and this will be interesting. From an engineering point of view everybody wishes to continue developing technology as much as possible. From a sporting point of view this change might create more interest and a better show. If the electronics are the same for everybody then it will be a matter of playing with the engine and chassis and that is where the know-how of the manufacturers will come into play. We can be confident to do a good job.”

Suzuki finally confirmed it will return to premier class competition next season at the Cologne Show in Germany yesterday. News that Aleix Espargaro and Maverick will be their line-up, which has been known for weeks, was also made official.