PICS: Espargaro, Vinales make Suzuki debut

Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales get first ride on Suzuki GSX-RR at Valencia test
PICS: Espargaro, Vinales make Suzuki debut

Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales got their first taste of the new Suzuki GSX-RR at the start of MotoGP testing at Valencia on Monday.

Top Open class rider Espargaro, who claimed a pole and podium during a breakthrough 2014 season at Forward Yamaha, and rookie Moto2 race winner Vinales have been chosen to spearhead Suzuki's MotoGP return.

Suzuki withdrew from MotoGP at the end of 2011 due to the financial crisis. The main technical change for its 2015 return is that switch from a V4 engine layout to an inline four cylinder, whilst also having to adapt to the Magneti Marelli ECU hardware.

Suzuki will join Ducati and Aprilia in running under the Factory class rules, but benefiting from Open class concessions in terms of fuel, a softer rear tyre, extra engine changes and more testing opportunities.

Aleix Espargaro makes Suzuki debut at Valencia test
Maverick Vinales makes Suzuki debut at Valencia test

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