Looking back on the first three Grands Prix of the season, the official Suzuki team can find reason for satisfaction. Points, a Maverick Viñales who is talking about him and therefore his GSX-RR, a narrowly missed podium in Argentina and the best overall result in Austin since the return to the category. Not bad ? Just ask Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi…
The Japanese sees all these results and can appreciate how far he has come since a year of testing and another of competition. Certainly, but at Suzuki, we don’t jump for joy like that: “ we are all happy with the result in Austin, but we are not happy with the way the race went ". A competition where its drivers still achieved a good group shot with fifth and fourth places.
SO ? So, among the blues, we don't brood but we don't see life in roses either: " our pace throughout the weekend was good but we are still missing something to claim the podium. In Argentina, Maverick was eligible before his accident, which is part of the race. But in Austin, we didn't have the same level and our final assessment comes from the falls of the competitors in front of us ».
« That’s also racing. There are some days you are lucky and some days you are not. We can be happy with the result, but we really need to improve to be in the top three and fill those 20 seconds under the checkered flag on the winner. That's why we're staying in Austin for private testing and a work plan that will reveal what we need to get on the podium. ". Regular, that is.
We don't laugh every day at Suzuki...
