Suzuki's withdrawal from MotoGP was a shock for a paddock which had stopped, as far as the Hamamatsu brand was concerned, at its signature guaranteeing a commitment to MotoGP until 2026. But from May 2022, in Jerez, an order of capitulation in the open countryside with unconditional withdrawal of troops from the Grand Prix battlefield arrived from Japan. But Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna boss reminded Suzuki of his contractual obligations. There was therefore discussion and payment of a fine, which was ultimately not very dissuasive. And this is what Carlo Pernat regrets.
Factory Suzuki part of MotoGP, it's no fun while no one is fooled by the arrival of GASGAS in 2023 on the starting grid. If it is a new name, it is not a question of a manufacturer replacing another, and, moreover, this redecorated RC16 will not benefit from the concession points in the regulations, like any new blazon without experience has the right to try the MotoGP adventure.
That being said, now that the team's death certificate Ecstar Suzuki is validated, the story begins to be ridiculed. It is even the victims who are getting involved with this initiative ofAlex Rins who announces on this day of “ El Dia de los Santos Inocentes ", or Spanish April Fool's Day, the return of Suzuki. " I introduce you the AR42, Team MotoGP 2023 : after months of negotiations, Suzuki MotoGP entrusted us with the GSX-RR to be in MotoGP next season with a team manager that you surely know. Thank you to all our sponsors for making this possible ».
Carlo Pernat: “il devrait y avoir une pénalité dix fois supérieure au coût de la première année"
After a few hours of publication, alex rins clarified: “ sorry if you guys believed us! Today is 'El Día de los Santos Inocentes' in Spain, our first of April, a time when we play pranks on those we love. I really wish it was true, but now we have an important project ahead of us and we will focus on that ».
Still, the fact that this withdrawal was finally possible so easily raises questions about the conditions set for this type of premature departure going against commitments already made. Charles Pernat, in his assessment of the 2022 season questions precisely this subject by not evaluating Suzuki in what will have been his last campaign, but rather throwing a stone in the pond Dorna. The Italian therefore thinks that the promoter should be more uncompromising.
We read thus on GP One : " In my opinion, when Carmelo Ezpeleta signs contracts with manufacturers, there should be a penalty ten times the cost of the first year. This would make you less likely to want to leave, because we are talking about tens and tens of millions of euros ". Perhaps, but being so tough would perhaps not encourage vocations either.
