Team Suzuki Ecstar is pleased to announce that official test rider, Takuya Tsuda, will make a wildcard appearance at the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi at the end of September.
The team wanted the chance to have a Japanese rider aboard their machine during its final appearance in Japan to thank all the fans and customers who have supported the project over the years. In addition to this, Takuya Tsuda will continue to feed information about the motorcycle's performance back to the production line.
Takuya Tsuda has been a vital part of the Suzuki team since joining as a test rider in 2015, using his extensive experience to develop the GSX-RR alongside the Racing & Development department in Japan, and s 'associating with Sylvain Guintoli for the trial days. He made his MotoGP debut in 2017 at Jerez replacing ÁLex Rins, injured, and he naturally has a great knowledge of the Motegi circuit and the GSX-RR.
The 39-year-old has reached the podium several times at the legendary Suzuka 8 Hour event, and he has also enjoyed success in the All Japan Series, driving there since 2003. In 2022, alongside his duties as A test rider, he competed in the All Japan ST1000 class, where he holds fourth place in the championship standings.
Takuya Tsuda : " First of all, I want to thank Suzuki for giving me this opportunity. Over the years I have watched Suzuki riders perform in MotoGP races with the GSX-RR that I helped develop as a test rider. Now I'm very excited to get on his handlebars and be able to race the GSX-RR myself, and in front of the Japanese fans! I will do my best with the team to make this race the culmination of our development. »
Shinichi Sahara : " Takuya Tsuda has been involved in the development of the GSX-RR as a test rider for many years and has contributed greatly to the achievements of Suzuki's MotoGP project, including our championship victory in 2020. I hope that Tsuda will enjoy riding at home in Japan, in front of this special and warm crowd. Together with the entire team, he will complete the development through this race as a wildcard, and we will bring the technologies up to Suzuki's mass productions for the future. »
