After Yamaha et Ducati, it was Suzuki's turn to present its new colors for the 2017 season. After the departures of Maverick Viñales for Yamaha and Aleix Espargaro for Aprilia, it is Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins who will pilot the new GSX-RR from Monday on the Sepang circuit for the first official test of 2017.
Before the two pilots come on stage, Davide Brivio, Team Manager of the Suzuki team, took the floor to discuss the MotoGP project of the Hamamatsu firm, “Last season’s victory was the starting point for us,” he explains of Viñales' victory at Silverstone. “We must continue like this. After we won, it seemed natural that we won, but it wasn't. »
It has now been 40 years since Barry Sheene offered the first 500cc title to Suzuki, “We had a lot of pressure because Suzuki has a great history and we are trying to achieve those goals again,” confides Brivio.
Although two new drivers join the team, Brivio remains confident, “We're thrilled with the makeup of our team, and we're about to embark on a pretty exciting season. We must achieve this. Iannone has experience and he has won before. Rins is a Rookie and we hope the two can find synergy during the season. »
“There is a good atmosphere, everyone is involved in making things progress. The project started two years ago and the staff is still there. We welcome new people and new pilots. »
alex rins is the first of the two pilots to appear on stage. Victim of a heavy fall during the first official test in Valencia last November, the Spaniard suffered a fracture of the T8 and T12 vertebrae, “I feel good today,” he reassures. “I can’t wait to get started on this project. It was important to have a month of rest after Valencia. After this rest, I returned to sport, notably doing the gym, skiing, motorcycling or cycling. »
“The transition to MotoGP is not easy,” continues Rins. “I feel a lot of power in my hands and I rear wheel all the time. However, I appreciate this power and speed. It's a heavier bike than a Moto2, especially in curves. » The Spaniard is counting on this 2017 season to learn and be fast.
Regarding his new team, Rins felt welcomed with open arms, “When I arrived in the box, I felt welcomed like family. After my fall, everyone checked on me and the team even went to the hospital. I'm really happy to be here. »
To Andrea Iannone, the situation is different since he is already counting on his experience. “During the winter I relaxed and trained,” declares the Italian. “My first feeling was positive for me, we are working very well and the bike is very special, because the chassis works very well and matches my riding style. »
“My goal is to win, but it’s difficult. We will do our best for this together, and I hope that in the future this will be possible. Why not ? »
After four seasons in Ducati colors, Iannone will wear the blue of the Suzuki team, “I had a very good impression from the start. It's a friendly and family team. The guys always have a smile. »
Concerning his teammate, Iannone does not hesitate to reach out to him, “I will be happy to share my data with him, because it will be better for the development of the bike. I hope we will maintain good relations. » To which Brivio responds, “That’s the best thing we can hear. »
Before the presentation of the two GSX-RRs, Saturo Terada (Suzuki MotoGP Project Manager) and Ken Kawauchi (Suzuki MotoGP Technical Manager) gave a technical overview of the new Suzuki, “We have improved on all points,” Kawauchi-San explains. “There are many small changes, but there is nothing major. »
Regarding the fins, Kawauchi-San replied, “We have tried a lot [to compensate for them], but we can't show it yet. »
Remember that Suzuki, thanks to the podiums and the victory of Viñales, has lost its advantages (Concessions) and the factory will be placed in the same boat as Ducati, Honda and Yamaha, “The preparation will be the same,” reassures Terada-San. “We are always developing. »
“Iannone is very experienced and I hope for good results from him,” adds Terada-San. “Regarding Rins, I hope he can adapt to our bike as quickly as possible. »
The GSX-RRs will take on the track with the first MotoGP 2017 test which will kick off on Monday morning at 10 a.m. (local time) on the Sepang track in what promises to be difficult weather.
