Of the four rookies in MotoGP this season, Joan Mir is the least experienced, with just a single year in Moto2 and total of three seasons in grand prix under his belt.
Suzuki team manager Davide Brivio says losing concessions in 2018 was his squad’s “main objective” with its historic podium haul exceeding expectations but warns it increases pressure for the new MotoGP season.
He may still consider his rider “almost a rookie” but Suzuki team boss Davide Brivio is “absolutely” convinced Alex Rins has the tools at his disposal to steer the factory’s MotoGP development direction this winter in his new role as lead rider.
In terms of podiums, Suzuki has just enjoyed its best season in the four-stroke MotoGP era. Nine top threes, added to Alex Rins’ fine end of the season gives the factory momentum and has it going into the winter break believing wins are possible in 2019.
Suzuki riders Alex Rins, Joan Mir and Sylvain Guintoli used the final MotoGP test of the season to narrow down new parts for inclusion on next year's GSX-RR.
Joan Mir has hurdled the first major setback of his MotoGP career after fighting through a high-speed off at Jerez to return to track action for Suzuki to reach the top 10 on the opening day.