It’s the start of a new era for Suzuki. The Ecstar-backed team go into MotoGP 2017 with an all-new rider line-up: Andrea Iannone as the number one joining the team after four years with Ducati and Moto2 graduate Alex Rins - replacing winderkind Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro, who have moved on to Yamaha and Aprilia.
Vinales’s victory last year at Silverstone proved the progress of the GSX-RR and it begins this season as a competitive package. "It’s a new beginning also for the team,” says team boss Davide Brivio. “Suzuki has a lot of history, great riders, great achievements and our target is to renew this tradition and bring back Suzuki to the top. We made an important step forward with Vinales. We want to continue working in this direction with this new line up.
“Rins is a rookie and we will try to repeat with him the wonderful adventure we did with Maverick while Iannone has a lot of experience. I really like his temperament and his approach to the races. He always try and give his maximum, this is the kind of rider that Suzuki needs.”
The Suzuki Ecstar team was launched in Sepang with Iannone, Rins and the new GSX-RR ready to face the third season since the Japanese Manufacturer returned to MotoGP.
Iannone finished his first day in blue in the top five at Sepang, eight-tenths down on Casey Stoner on his former bike and seventhth from his former team mate Andrea Dovizioso. He confirmed the positive impressions he got in Valencia:
What are your thoughts on the new Suzuki?
“The feeling was good since the beginning. Already in occasion of the first test in Valencia in November I was very satisfied with the corner speed and the braking. I can confirm these impressions here in Sepang. It’s early to speak as it is the first day and we did only 44 laps as it started to rain after the lunch break, around 15:30, but I’m happy. We were not looking for the lap time. I tested with used tyres on the front and the rear.”
Do you have a 2016 and a 2017 version?
“Suzuki brought a modified chassis and we did some comparisons between the standard GSX-RR used in 2016 and the evolutions developed over the winter. I tested both bikes, but the differences between the two are quite small. In this moment we are focusing on the set up of the machine, as we need to find the best setting for my characteristics. At the same time I also need to adapt my riding style to the GSX-RR in order to take advantage of its strong points, especially the high corner speed.”
How is the atmosphere in the garage and the new method of work?
“I found a very good atmosphere in the team. I’m surrounded by technicians and engineers who listen carefully to my comments and note every detail. I’m impressed by their number and I’m ready for this new adventure.”
What does Suzuki represent for you?
“It’s a company with a long tradition and a history crowned by many successes. When I think of Suzuki, I think of Kenny Roberts Jr and Kevin Schwantz. Who didn’t dream of the Suzuki 500cc of Kevin Schwantz? Since I was a kid I was a fan of his crazy style and his personality.”
Which are your expectations for the 2017 season?
“I want to try not to think too much and remain focused on myself and the bike. My target is to fight with the top riders. We have all the cards to do it, I aim at improving my results and do a better season.”
