The situation currently seems very complicated at Suzuki. We have just noticed this again at the start of the week when Michelin invited all the teams to Le Mans to test the new surface, and only one factory team did not make the trip: Suzuki.
We see the difficulty, but it is difficult to assess the exact level. Let's then take as a basis the comparison between 2016 and 2017 when arriving at Jerez, after the first three Grands Prix. Last year at this time, Maverick Vinales arrived at the Spanish Grand Prix with 23 points and Alex Espargaro with 21, for a total of 44. This year, Andrea Iannone totals 9 and Alex Rins 7, for a total of 16.
With these 16 points, Suzuki is fourth in the manufacturers' standings behind Yamaha (70), Honda (54), Ducati (43), and ahead of Aprilia (10) and KTM (2). In the team rankings, Team Suzuki Ecstar is 10th out of 12, behind all the satellite teams, including LCR which has only one rider.
In Jerez, Andrea Iannone will have this weekend as a teammate Takuya Tsuda who will replace alex rins hurt. The good news is that the team will stay two more days at this circuit to carry out tests on Monday and Tuesday.
To Andrea Iannone, who are " I really hope it will be a positive race for us. Last year we tested here in Jerez and it left me with a positive feeling. Plus, the performance wasn't bad. This gives me some confidence for this race.
“We will have to work hard from the start on Friday to resolve some problems we encountered, but we already have ideas. I would really like to end next Sunday with a smile on our faces. »
Takuya Tsuda is the classic Suzuki replacement. He was entered quite young by Yoshimura and tested in the Japanese Championship, where he was satisfactory as well as at the Suzuka 8 Hours. He also finished 2nd in the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycles with Vincent Philippe and the late Anthony Delhalle in 2014. His beginnings within SERT were difficult, because of his very modest times and his numerous excuses. Dominique Méliand clearly explained to him how to go faster: “We’re still going to have to hit it!” The others do it well! »
To Takuya Tsuda, official test rider of the GSX-RR, for which this will be the first Grand Prix, “ First of all, I'm sorry for Alex's injury, and I would like to wish him a speedy recovery. It's a big surprise for me that I got this great opportunity to replace Alex and, of course, I'm very excited. It's like my dreams have come true. I always dreamed of racing in MotoGP one day, but I never thought the chance would come like this.
“Luckily I had the opportunity to test the GSX-RR last November in Jerez, so the track is already familiar and I like the layout. Although I know that it is not so easy to compete with experienced drivers, and the track condition will not be as equal as in November, everything will be a great adventure for me. All I can do is give it my all and do my best, both for myself and for the team. »
