Suzuki MotoGP Team Manager on season 2018 thus far

Davide Brivio also looks to the season ahead

Suzuki MotoGP Team Manager Davide Brivio reflects on MotoGP season 2018 thus far, including the four podiums achieved by the Ecstar Suzuki squad, before then turning his attention to developments being conducted in the winter break.

MotoGP Assen Rins GP AN — Alex Rins took a brilliant second place at Assen – Image by AJRN

“We were very happy to see Alex fighting with the top riders in Assen, showing no fear and battling until the end with huge determination to achieve a nice podium. It was very exciting for us, and in general it was one of the most incredible races I’ve ever seen.

MotoGP Assen Race Rins Vinales — Suzuki is having their best season for some time with 104 manufacturer points already passing their overall tally at the end of a troublesome season 2017

“Achieving four podiums in eight races this season is something truly great for us. I took it as a sign that this season is completely different to the last one. I think we’ve really improved the package all round, the riders’ performance has also improved a lot, and therefore so have the results, so we are very satisfied so far.

Alex Rins was on the podium in Argentina - Image by AJRN — Alex Rins was on the podium in Argentina – Image by AJRN

“We started working on this task not just this winter, but actually it was something we started during the last races of last year when we found the way to be more consistent in terms of performance and being in the Top six in the latest races. Then, during last winter, we really did a good job, especially with Alex, who was growing up and improving his performance, so that was very important in terms of developing. He had the opportunity of selecting different options during the winter and this made him more mature and stronger. At the same time Andrea also improved his feeling with the bike and his performance, and now we have two competitive riders challenging each other and pushing each other.

Mugello MotoGP - Alex Rins leading Rossi and Iannone — Mugello MotoGP – Alex Rins leading Rossi and Iannone

“This first part of the season has been very positive and encouraging, and now we have to work even harder in order to finish the season in the best possible way. Our target is to lose concessions as soon as possible. We need one more podium to lose them, and that will mean that we’ve continued doing the right things and being on the podium regularly, and this will be good news for Suzuki.

“In the meantime in Japan they are working pretty hard in the development of the GSX-RR bike. In Assen we already introduced a new evolution engine that works well. And in Mugello we tried a carbon reinforced chassis. So our racing department continue working, and let’s see in the next tests in Brno or Aragon if we are able to try some more new parts to make our package even stronger.

“At the same time in the garage the technical staff including both sides of the box are working together in tune with good communication and are improving the GSX-RR’s performance step-by-step, and following the correct path of development.

MotoGP Assen Race Rins — Alex Rins – Assen

“Now we have completed the mid-season and we go into the summer break in the best condition to face the second half of the season in even better shape!”