Suzuki's surprise withdrawal from MotoGP in 2023 left a big void in the championship. But it seems that the Japanese brand is already planning a comeback…
The story of Suzuki in MotoGP is marked by back and forth, and the exit of the brand in 2022 may not be definitive. Toshihiro Suzukipresident of the company, recently suggested that the manufacturer is seriously considering a return to the premier category. However, this return will depend on one prerequisite: resolving the current challenges linked to their range of production motorcycles.
In an interview with Corriere dello Sport,
Toshihiro Suzuki was clear about the brand's intention: “ we will come back to the race and we will do it to win. But for this, we need to solve our problems in the market first. »
Suzuki first wishes to expand its range of models to meet the expectations of its customers. The president emphasized: “ if we do not have a complete range and detailed models to offer to our customers, being in MotoGP doesn't make sense.
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The last participation of Suzuki in MotoGP was marked by resounding success: the 2020 world championship won by Joan Mir. This recent triumph underlines that Suzuki still has the ability to compete at the highest level. Toshihiro San insisted on the importance of this success for the brand: “ winning MotoGP was very important for us, and it could be again. »
Toshihiro Suzuki: « winning MotoGP was very important for us, and it could be again »
Since the withdrawal of Suzukiseveral rumors have circulated about a possible sixth brand to complete the MotoGP grid. Among them:
BMW : long discussed, but the project seems to have lost momentum. MV Agusta : although his name was mentioned, the financial problems of
KTMa key partner, are hampering this perspective. Ultimately, the most logical solution could be a return of the brand Suzuki herself.
Toshihiro Suzuki has not ruled out a foray into the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). The brand has been absent there, with a few exceptions, for 10 years. A return to this category could also strengthen the sporting image of its brand, provided that their production range allows such an approach.
The Japanese coat of arms seems to consider its return to MotoGP as an objective to medium termonce its market challenges have been overcome. If this strategy succeeds,
Suzuki could once again become a major player in the competition, in the wake of its 2020 title.
With a clear plan and a determined vision, the Hamamatsu manufacturer seems ready to regain its place in the MotoGP championship. However, everything will depend on the brand's ability to stabilize and develop its production range. If this comes to fruition, the return of Suzuki could bring new impetus to the competition, enriching the diversity of the manufacturers involved.
In the meantime, fans of MotoGP and
Suzuki will closely monitor future announcements and developments. The Japanese brand could well be the sixth to join the MotoGP grid in the near future.
