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2017 will be a year of great change for Suzuki, not from a technical standpoint because the GSX-RR won't be revolutionised, buy from a rider standpoint. After saying farewell to Vinales and splitting with Aleix Espargarò, the Hamamatsu manufacturer is betting on Iannone and Rins next season.
Davide Brivio, team manager, clarifies the situation.
“We expect a great deal from Andrea because he's a top rider and has already proved he can win. It will be up to us to provide him with a good bike that adapts to his style - he explains - Our original idea was to focus on stability, but after Maverick decided to leave us, we saw an opportunity with Iannone. it didn't take long to reach an agreement, just 2 or 3 days, and I think that, with him, we can move forward in the best possible way with our project, and win more races”.
The Italian rider will be joined by Rins, despite the fact that at first Suzuki seemed set on Zarco.
“He completed a test with our bike in Japan and he went well - recalls Davide - We had to make a choice and we discussed it at length. We liked the idea of Alex, a young and talented rider, we want to do with him what we've done with Vinales. I think we' ll have a very balanced team. At first, Iannone will steer development and Rins will concentrate on growing”.
The GSX-RR has reached a certain maturity level in the last two years and the engineers don't plan on revolutionising the project.
“We won't have a new bike, but an evolution of the current one - underlines the manager - Here at Valencia we'll have an engine with a 'half step' in terms of development, the priority now is to find more power. For the Sepang tests we'll have an updated engine and some new parts for the frame. We don't want to lose the balance that we have right now and will introduce new parts only when we're sure. On the other side, we'll no longer be able to develop the engine during the season, that was a small advantage”.
After two years and the 2016 results, Suzuki now has to take the final step.
“I know that expectations are higher now and it will be more difficult, but it's a great challenge and this is what we've here for in the end - smiles Brivio - We need to be more consistent, improve in the wet and fight for the podium in every race”.
His final words regard former 'pupil' Vinales.
“I think he'll be ready for the first race with the Yamaha - Davide hopes - Maverick has the mentality of a champion, he seems shy but he knows what he wants and works only to win. it doesn't matter to him who he shares the garage with, but I think he could learn a great deal from Valentino”.
