Suzuki to spend two days this week testing new fairing that may not be homologated – head shaking in team over “waste of money “
The Suzuki MotoGP factory team will only contest the Grands Prix in Malaysia and Valencia. Then the project will be discontinued. The team in the World Endurance Championship (EWC) has also been closed at the end of the season.
The reason given was: “The current economic situation and the need to focus on the major changes in the automotive world are forcing Suzuki to shift costs and human resources to the development of new technologies.”
Team members were caught cold by the exit announcement in the spring. Everyone from riders to mechanics to PR people had to look for new jobs. Some faced an uncertain future for a long time or still do.
During the Australian Grand Prix, which was eventually won by Suzuki rider Alex Rins, it was announced that Suzuki would be conducting a private test this week. Takuya Tsuda will test for two days in Motegi, Japan.
When this test made the rounds in the Phillip Island paddock, it did not go down well, especially in the Suzuki team. Because some team members still don’t know what they will do after the season finale in Valencia.
This test is seen as an unnecessary waste of money. “I’ve heard about it,” says Joan Mir, noting sarcastically, “All I can say about it is that the team spirit is still there. “
Teammate Rins is also clear: “They are trying a completely different aerodynamics, with different winglets. If you ask me why, it doesn’t make sense. But they have the money, so they spend it.”
One aerodynamic update is allowed to be homologated per season. Suzuki has already done that for both riders. So this new aerodynamic package Tsuda is testing in Motegi should not be used at all in the remaining races.