O
n a steamy hot May Monday at Jerez, not much seemed out of
place in the Suzuki camp. At a post-race IRTA test, its riders were
attempting to work out exactly why their Spanish Grand Prix hadn't
quite gone to plan the previous day. A few things were to be tested. Then
home for 10 days rest before it started all over again in France. Only later in
the afternoon, recently appointed Team Manager Livio Suppo and Project
Leader Shinichi Sahara learned of a special development from Japan.
There was little indication in what was to come. To everyone, including
riders and team personnel, it was business as usual. Riders Joan Mir and Alex
Rins were readying to sign a contract extension to stay put beyond this year.
And the manufacturer had signed a contract extension with series organizer
Dorna as recently as April of last year to stay in the series until 2026.
CLOUD
VOLUME 59 ISSUE 24 JUNE 14, 2022 P107
