Mid-season is an opportunity to take stock, both on your journey and that of the competition in MotoGP. French boss Hervé Poncharal does not escape summer reflection and, on Tutomotoriweb, he gave his explanation on what we must call the disappointments at this stage of the year which are Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Iannone… but also Suzuki.
In MotoGP everything hangs by a thread and the balance can quickly be upset. Especially in a paddock where the forces involved are of an equal level: “ this season, we have three factories which are clearly as efficient as each other » analyzes the boss of Tech3. “ These are Yamaha, Honda and Ducati. And the biggest disappointment is called Suzuki ».
« It's a mystery. Is it because of the bike or the rider? » The tricolor gives its version: “ at Yamaha, I can tell you that there are no big differences between the 2016 and 2017 versions. It's almost the same bike because the engine evolution is frozen and the electronic control unit is unique. The tires are more or less identical and the aerodynamics are pretty much set in stone. So I don't think the Suzuki is any less competitive than the one from a year ago ».
Bad news for its pilot: “ I think Viñales is someone very special. In the same vein, many are surprised by the performances of Aleix Espargaro at Aprilia. Iannone has a riding style learned on the Ducati. He was surprised he couldn't do the same thing on the Suzuki. If you look at Lorenzo's case, it's the same situation but reversed ».
Yes, but Ducati is doing well: “ Ducati kept Dovizioso while Suzuki changed both riders. But if you also had a new rider next to Lorenzo, Ducati's situation would be at least as unenviable as Suzuki's right now. Everyone expected to see Lorenzo stronger and Iannone more efficient ».
That said, we will remind you that Tech3 has also done some cleaning on the drivers side by recruiting, moreover, two beginners. But among the French, the change has done more than good...
