Suzuki’s MotoGP machine didn’t make it through its first race (a wildcard entry at Valencia), but it’s holding up well under testing, with the riders posting improved times already.
Factory riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales were bombing around on the new GSX-RR at the Valencia test this week. Espargaro managed a best lap of 1’31.973 on Wednesday, a second behind Marc Marquez’s best time. Vinales posted a best time of 1’33.216.
Of course, they need to improve those times if they want to compete for wins next year.
““The first day was just for understanding the bike and finding the right position, but on Wednesday we could try to go to the limit of the bike, and I found that the frame is really good. It turns and handles really easily,” said Espargaro. “We also made big steps with the electronics-side and we made good improvements on the traction control and engine braking.”
“I found better grip on the bike with the hard tyre and could set the same lap times I made on the first day when I rode with a soft tyre,” said Vinales. “I have learned a lot about the bike and I had so much fun riding it.”
Now, the team is looking ahead to the Jerez test already. They say they’ve got to improve the engine performance and electronics; hopefully, after Jerez they’ll be ready for 2015.
In the post-race interview with Randy De Puniet, he indicate significant issues with the electronics, fantastic if Suzuki can get that sorted quickly and be competitive. As Dani Pedrosa mentioned, it’s not the most competitive group of Moto GPers he’s ever seen, hopefully next year with new riders and new rides there will be some variety to the podium tunes!