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First it was Yamaha, then Ducati, and today the time has finally come for Suzuki’s big day. In Sepang the Japanese team unveiled the GSX-RR’s new livery. The colouring basically follows that of past seasons with blue dominating the scene and a touch of yellow. The latter was also chosen by Andrea Iannone to make the number 29 stand out on the top fairing, whereas Rins opted for a grey 42 that fades into red.
Doing the honours, of course, could be none other than Davide Brivio. The team manager laid out the path to follow after a brilliant 2016 season: “When you win the first time, it seems only natural to do it a second time – he explained – the 2017 season will be one of growth where we want to continue on the path we have begun.” New year, new team. Viñales and Espargarò are gone. It will therefore be up to Iannone and Rins to hold the Japanese team’s colours high: “Andrea is a top rider. He has already won and he has everything it takes to ride the bike with the top riders – Brivio pointed out – we believe very much in Alex. He is a rookie, a young talent, and we want to help him grow with an ambitious project, taking full advantage of his potential.”
There will be high expectations and Brivio is well aware: “Obviously there is a lot of pressure, given Suzuki’s past – the team manager said – we certainly believe in this project and in the people, who are the key to getting to the top.”
From tomorrow the engines will roar to life and Alex Rins can’t wait to get on the bike after his injury in Valencia: “I feel good. The pain in my shoulder is a distant memory and I’m ready for the new adventure – he commented – I have waited a long time for this moment. In recent months I trained to get back into shape and back on the Suzuki.”
The Spaniard will now have to deal with the jump up in category from Moto2: “It certainly is not easy. In the first Valencia test I felt the great power of this bike in my hands – he analysed – I think this is precisely the aspect that struck me the most, although in the corners I will need to work to improve. I am here to learn quickly, because in MotoGP, all the riders are competitive.”
Alongside him is Andrea Iannone, who will have to fill the big shoes left by Maverick Viñales. There are high expectations for the rider from Vasto who, in his first outing in November, was a pleasant surprise: “I think it was a special event – The Maniac commented – I immediately had a good response from the frame and the bike is a good fit for my riding style.”
As soon as the cover was removed, the rider from Abruzzo kissed the Suzuki: “I hope I can win from the first race – he admitted – that is my goal, but I will also have to reckon with my adversaries”. Iannone then stretched out his hand toward his teammate: “Alex is a great talent. He has the same chances I have to do well and he will be a motivator – he said – together we can develop the bike quickly and build a good relationship.”
Of course, Terada was also in Sepang, the Suzuki project manager. His face betrayed plenty of confidence for the new season, especially after the recent results: “Winning in the second year means that the team worked hard to develop the bike and to make it competitive – the manager explained – over time Suzuki has adapted better and better to the riders’ characteristics, plus I think that a big step forward was made in terms of the setup.”
He was quick to promote the new pair of riders: “Andrea is an experienced rider who is very strong and fast – he said – Alex has no lack of talent. Last season he showed that he was one of the most competitive riders.” Then he made the challenge: “We can win again – he concluded – the team is competitive and we have everything we need.”
