VOLUME 59 ISSUE 9 MARCH 1, 2022 P91
the grid. Bagnaia expects to be fighting
from the first race. "We found a com-
promise setting that I like, so I think
that in Qatar we'll start well."
SUZUKI
"Our style of development is conser-
vative, to try to improve some areas,
acceleration or braking, without losing
any of our strong points." Those were
the words of Project Leader Shinichi
Sahara on the eve of the Indonesian
test. And it seems Suzuki has stuck
to its principles this winter ahead of a
season when it really needs to deliver.
Keen to keep hold of prized asset
Joan Mir for 2023, the factory brought
an all-new bike featuring an improved
engine to testing. Engineers have main-
tained the GSX-RR's excellent turning
capabilities but now with added top
speed. At Mandalika, the Suzuki was on
average the second fastest manufac-
turer through the speed trap.
The factory's ride-height device
has evolved from the model that only
ran incrementally at the end of last
year. And Mir was not the only man to
impress. Keen to bounce back from his
annus horribilis, Alex Rins was fourth
and seventh fastest at the two tests, as
well as showing excellent consistency
throughout. "You can see that physi-
cally he prepared himself, and the bike
is answering well," opined Zarco. Going
off the riders' comments, Suzuki seems
to have rediscovered its old knack for
managing tires.
Mir's final placing of 12th in both
tests mean some question marks
remain over the bike's capacity over
one lap. Qualifying has long been the
Majorcan and Suzuki's weakness (his
average qualifying was ninth in '21,
compared to Quartararo's third). Rectify
this and he can be a challenger.
This was close to a perfect pre-
season for Suzuki. Now is time for
Sahara to select the right candidate
for team manager, a vacancy that has
been open longer than a year. "We have
already fixed the candidates and are
just speaking." Get that appointment
right, and a strong season for the 2020
champions await.
Alex Rins will be
racing for his career
in 2022. He got
off to a good start
in testing and the
Suzuki looks to
have made vital
improvements.
