Suzuki to race with updated engines in Barcelona

Suzuki will have updated engines at the disposal of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales at the next round of the MotoGP championship in Catalunya. The pair have had to fight with a severe horsepower disadvantage throughout the season thus far and while the updated power unit won’t suddenly turn it into a Ducati slayer the team are confident that it will push them to a similar power level as the Yamaha.

Team insiders revealed to MCN that the engines will be available from the start of the weekend rather than the post race test as had been speculated. The engine has been dyno tested and track tested in Japan and early indications are that it will provide a big boost in performance. At the moment the team are struggling for top speed and it has left Espargaro and Vinales forced to make their time up in corners.

An increase in power would give them the benefit of a much improved top speed but could also hamper the chassis and leave the riders struggling in areas that are currently a strength. The team has however said that with Nobu Aoki testing the bike in Japan he saw the power and top speed improve but there was no lose of feeling and connection between the chassis and the engine. If the team can come close to matching the power output of Yamaha while maintaining their handling package the GSXR-R should be an exceptionally competitive proposition from the Catalan Grand Prix onwards.