If we look on the bright side, this is the sign of entry into the big leagues. If we focus on the gross result, it is the loss of the advantages granted by the regulation. But the fact is there: by offering a new podium to Suzuki this Sunday at Phillip Island, Vinales removed Suzuki from the list of manufacturers enjoying development facilities granted by the legislator.
Suzuki has become a manufacturer like any other since the last Australian Grand Prix. By this, mean that there will no longer be any exceptional rule for him. The latter was defined by the article. 2.4.2.1 of the regulation which grants advantages to certain manufacturers if they meet the following conditions in particular: entering as a new manufacturer since 2013 and not having won in the dry since 2013.
These benefits are as follows: nine engines per season, engine development authorized, private testing authorized with test and contract drivers, on any track, within the limit of 120 tires per driver per season shared with the test drivers. At the start of this season, only Suzuki et Aprilia had advantages, because they are two new manufacturers who entered the Championship after 2013 and who do not have any victories in the dry.
The withdrawal of these benefits during a season is based on a concession point system marked in the dry or wet. If the manufacturer scores 6 concession points (3 points for a victory, 2 points for a second place, and 1 point for a third place) the consequence is as follows: private tests will no longer be authorized with immediate effect, and nine engines and development authorized, only seven remain with development frozen the following season.
Suzuki thus enters the club made up of Honda, Yamaha and Ducati. In the other camp, only KTM and Aprilia remain. The latter brand has neither podium nor victory for the moment, so it will retain its advantages in 2017. The same goes for the first which will enter Valencia this season as a wildcard with Mika Kallio then as a permanent builder in 2017 with Espargaro Pol et Bradley Smith.
Suzuki has used its advantages well in the development of its engines. We will now have to do like the grown-ups. thanks to Maverick Vinales who by winning podiums caused Suzuki to lose its advantages. Brand that he will leave for Yamaha.
