Suzuki has become the latest manufacturer to pledge its continuation to MotoGP competition, the reigning teams and riders champions extending its stay in the premier class until at least 2026.
The Hamamatsu-based operation returned to MotoGP for the ’15 season after a three year hiatus following its previous stint in the premier class, one that saw Suzuki collect a total of six riders titles-the last going to Kenny Roberts Jr in the year 2000.
It has steadily climbed the manufacturer pecking order since its MotoGP return, thanks in part to its now F1-departed team boss Davide Brivio, achieving a total of five wins and a first riders championship for Joan Mir two decades after Suzuki’s last, the teams title also going to the blue corner last season.
Suzuki becomes the fifth manufacturer to sign a five year extension to remain in the series, with Aprilia the only currently-competing marque yet to sign on the dotted line-though a decision to remain is expected in due course.
Shinichi Sahara, Suzuki MotoGP Team Director and Project Leader, says his team is still “hungry for success” off the back of its’20 achievements over the next five seasons.
“As Suzuki Motor Corporation we are proud to continue to compete in the MotoGP World Championship, as we all share the challenging ambition of measuring ourselves against the top motorcycling competition in the world,” said Sahara.
“We started this new journey in 2015 and in only six years we achieved the Riders’ World title, together with the Teams’ title, and we are still hungry for more success.
“For these reasons we have extended our agreement with Dorna, with the hope and the commitment to continue the development of the technical and racing sides of the company.”
Independent MotoGP outfits LCR and Gresini Racing have also committed to remaining in the pinnacle of grand prix motorcycle racing going forward, the former continuing on as Honda’s premier satellite operation as it has done across the past several seasons.
Gresini meanwhile has yet to announce the machinery it will campaign from ’22 onwards after current partner Aprilia elected to go its own way as far as running its factory team.
The Italian outfit-which lost founder Fausto Gresini following a battle with Covid-19 in February- could remain as a satellite operation for Aprilia, though possibilities to return as a Honda customer or become Suzuki’s satellite arm are also on the table.
