MOTOGP » Suzuki looking to impress again in Jerez

I hope they impress. It would be great to have them step up to the front at last,
Suzuki has been at it for years now and progress is slow.

I agree with The Morgue. After 9 years, Suzuki should regularly step up again in podium. Capirex is really a gold in developing superb motoGP. Ducati is one example which most part are develop according to Capirex input. Although magically, it fits more better to Stoner. Now is Suzuki, from mid field to front runner. Let the races begin.

Is the Suzuki performance really there, or are they being made to look good by the switch to bridgestone by the other teams.

I think that Suzuki will do well this year. Remember at Sepang...Capirossi was up there in test times...that is remarkable for a bike manufacturer that does not always sit atop the timesheet. Also Rossi and Cappirossi did have a bit of a race at Sepang on day 2 and Capirossi beat Valentino. even though this was a friendly competition it says a lot for the Suzuki GSV-R to stay with Yamaha M1. Conspiracy theories abound if Valentino was to hook up a ride with Suzuki as he already knows that it can run up front with the Yamaha. If Yamaha was to drop him for Spies (Spies wants a factory bike). Then maybe Valentino can try for a WC on the GSV-R. )))).... an you never know eh mon...

re: Rossi..."If Yamaha was to drop him for Spies..."

Excellent! That gave me a hearty laugh! Nice one...

I too hope Suzuki are up front this year, but lets not get too carried away... Not long ago (2007 pre-season) Suzuki were consistantly up the front, it was one of the big stories in the media at the time, to the point where even Rossi thought they were gonna be very strong that season... Alas it didn't pan out during the 2007 season

I hope it does this year. Good luck Suzuki...

Booooring.

Good point MD Z!

Yamaha will not drop Rossi. Especially not when he is even close to his level of performance in 2008. They allowed him to set the terms of his contract renewal last year. They've given him full lead development input on their bike. Furthermore, he wants to be known in history as a "Yamaha" rider and appears to be more capable than ever. One way or another he is making his mark on the history books and is taking Yamaha with him to be a part of that.

I don't write all this as a fan. Like him or not, Rossi is a marketing wonder and Yamaha knows this.

Have to agree Bear - and was a similar situation, as in down on Top Speed! Therefore the riders (Vermulen and Capirossi) are able to get great lap times, but in a race situation go backwards as they get beaten on the straights and can't use there ideal line for there incredible corner speed!

I truly hope Suzuki's performance is as good during the season as during testing. Four manufacturers vying for position at any given race would be superb.

In that event Kawasaki's presence (such as it is) won't be missed. They won't be in the hunt and they won't need to be with plenty of action of front.