The announcement of the departure of Davide Brivio for a destination towards Formula 1 continues to make waves and other turmoil in a Suzuki box “ shocked » by the news. Because it will not be easy for the manufacturer to find a successor who is so involved and gives so much confidence to the Japanese in such a short time. We will in fact remember that the return to Sepang is almost a month away. Within the brand, we are feeling the blow at all levels and this is the case with Kevin Schwantz whose analysis of the situation would suggest that he does not think he is the man of succession...
The Suzuki legend Kevin schwantz went from his comment regarding the unexpected departure of Davide Brivio de Suzuki for an unprecedented challenge in Formula 1. A brutal camp break which embarrasses the GSX-RR team as the 2021 MotoGP season approaches, which it tackles with the reigning World Champion Joan mir within it.
Kevin schwantz, who won 25 Grands Prix as the 500cc world champion in 1993, is one of only ten riders to have won a title for Suzuki. He remained loyal to the Japanese manufacturer of Hamamatsu throughout his career and the Texan, now 56 years old, still closely follows the events of the World Championship MotoGP.
Schwantz thus commented on the departure of Brivio. " Suzuki is the 2020 MotoGP World Champion and Davide Brivio is now leaving the team to move to Formula 1. It's a huge void that needs to be filled. I think both Brivio brothers have done a great job to bring Suzuki back to world championship level. They showed it last year, in a very strange 2020 season. This is definitely great progress. », Underlined the American in a video message on his social networks.
Schwantz is not positioning himself for succession
« He has done a lot. More importantly, he chose two excellent drivers, probably with a little help from Japan too. This is not an easy position to take. I'm sure there are a few teams that would like to ride with Suzuki next year », added the Texan.
Schwantz describes the news of the departure of Brivio like a " pretty big shock ". An assessment shared by the management of Suzuki with the MotoGP project manager Shinichi Sahara. " I read that Shinichi Sahara didn't know what to do. He and Davide used to discuss how the team could improve, how to better help the drivers… And Sahara also said that he and Davide were of the same opinion on many things. When Sahara-san has to do a lot alone, it becomes a lot of work. But if anyone can do it, it's Sahara ».
In the past few days, Schwantz himself was one of several names that were mentioned as possible candidates to succeed Davide Brivio. Like the former Honda team director Livio Suppo, Rins' team leader Manuel Cazeaux or the director of the Sky VR46 team. Paul Grandson. A speculation on his subject for which he does not seem to give credit by commenting: “ I wish him the best and hope Suzuki finds someone who can lead the team ". Which is not really the posture of a voluntary candidate...
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