Suzuki have today confirmed that Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales will be their two riders in next year’s factory MotoGP team on the GSX-RR.

The team was unveiled at the Cologne Intermot Show and marks the factory’s return to the blue riband class after a hiatus of four years, pulling out of the championship at the end of the 2011 season.

Espargaro moves across from the Open class Forward Yamaha team while Vinales, who is the current Moto3 World Champion, makes the step up to the big class after a year riding for Pons Racing in Moto2.

The team will make a wildcard appearance at the 2014 Valencia finale with riders yet to be confirmed but likely to be Randy De Puniet or Noby Aoki.

Specifications:

Overall length x width x height: 2096mm x 720mm x 1140mm

Wheelbase: 1457mm

Body weight: 160kg (based on FIM regulation)

Engine type: Water-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder, DOHC four-valve

Displacement: 1000cc

Maximum output: Over 230bhp

Frame type: Twin-spar aluminum

Tyres (front/rear): 16.5in/16.5in

Front suspension: Ohlins, inverted fork

Rear suspension: Ohlins

Brakes (front/rear): Carbon disc/steel disc, Brembo