Suzuki close to third bike MotoGP decision

Suzuki bosses have confirmed to MCN the decision on running a third GSV-R machine in 2008 is likely to be made at this weekend’s Catalunya GP in Spain.

Lengthy negotiations with Spaniard Jorge Martinez are close to a conclusion with Suzuki expected to have an answer in Barcelona on whether it can field three bikes next season.

Martinez wants to run a Suzuki satellite team run by 1993 world 500 champion Kevin Schwantz, and Toni Elias, James Toseland and Alex de Angelis are potential rider targets should he get the green light.

Factory team boss Paul Denning told MCN: “We are still very much in the process of considering. Suzuki has never made any formal comment regarding Jorge Martinez or any other private team other than an approach has been made and it is being considered inside Suzuki.

“It is a situation that Suzuki is very seriously considering because of the obvious opportunity. But it takes a lot of planning. A prototype MotoGP bike is not like taking two production GSX-R1000s, putting a race kit on it and putting it on the track.

“I think people underestimate the amount of resource required in terms of support from the factory and at the track. The reason the consideration process is taking some time is we can’t afford to compromise the performance of the factory team, but if we do support a really good team like has been mentioned then we have to support them to a really good level as well.

“There is no point in doing it if you can’t offer that support. We don’t like the idea of just doing something and not doing it to the best effort.

“The bike maybe not quite the same level as the factory machine but you have to give the proper support if you have a proper rider, big team and big sponsor. It is the duty of the manufacturer to ensure that it performs to the level of the factory team.”

Denning said a decision was imminent as Martinez was keen for a swift conclusion so he can begin rider negotiations, with several potential targets already discussing with other teams for 2008.

Denning added: “A decision has to be taken soon. It needs to be for the team so they can make some planning.  But if Suzuki can’t do it they need to know.

“Under normal circumstances with how late it is already looking to next year, probably Suzuki would say ‘no we need at least one more year.’

Because it is such a positive structure that they have there is a sense of we have to look at it. It is not an easy decision for Suzuki. Maybe if there were a one-year delay it would be an easy decision.”