During the last tests in Jerez at the end of the season, Andrea Iannone obtained a good fourth time behind Andrea Dovizioso, Cal Crutchlow et Jorge Lorenzo, while his teammate Alex Rins ranked sixth. It was an improved and modified Suzuki GSX-RR, but not completely new. It is this motorcycle that we will find at the end of January 2018 at Sepang.
“We don’t really have a new machine for 2018, explained team manager Davide Brivio to Speedweek. The version we will bring to Sepang is an evolution of the Valencia test machine. We tried different parts separately – like engine, chassis and other parts. From the outside it will be difficult to see what is new on our bike. When it comes to aerodynamics, we plan to test something new in Sepang or Thailand.”
Suzuki will have nine engines instead of seven due to concessions linked to its 2017 results. The team will not be subject to testing restrictions and engine development will not be set in stone. “ The concessions are a help, but I don't think it's a radical change for us, said Brivio. It's helpful that we can test a little more, but realistically there isn't much time to do a lot more private testing days because our schedule is already very full.
“Probably the biggest advantage is that we can develop the engine. But after three years of MotoGP, 2018 will be the fourth of our return, and we realize that it is not so easy to make big leaps to progress with the engine during the season. We will see if we have any weaknesses in this area. But as we all know, racing is about more than just the engine. »
The end of the 2017 season was pretty good: “ In Japan, Australia and Valencia, both drivers were close to the top, believes Brivio. We managed to improve the balance of the machine, which gave the riders greater confidence, and I hope this is just the beginning. I hope we can continue this momentum and be strong in 2018.”
Photo © Suzuki
Source: Speedweek. com
