After last season’s doubts about Suzuki’s shortcomings in terms of top speed, the first day of the season in Qatar proved that the Hamamatsu factory did a good job over the winter. In a circuit where power has always been a key factor, Alex Rins managed to get the first position in the times table, while his teammate, Joan Mir, got the third reference.
“We did a good job both in terms of race pace and qualifying simulation. Suzuki must be happy because the engine has been improved, but we have to keep progressing in other areas,” said Rins at the end of the day.
In addition to soaring in the timesheets, the Suzuki was the bike with the highest top speed and the Spaniard was able to find himself at the top of this particular classification in a free practice session, something that hadn’t happened since the FP2 of the GP of San Marino last year.
“As a driver you always want more. This year we have a new engine and rear lowering that we didn’t have last year. Now on the straights we can breathe and there is less room for mistakes. We have been able to keep up the pace. I’m walking with the other guys. I had the highest top speed in the two sessions and the essence of the bike hasn’t changed. “
Alex Rins, Suzuki MotoGP Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Another major improvement is the evolution of the rear height adjustment system, an area where Suzuki was far behind.
“Everything can be improved, but the height adjustment system we have is far superior to what we used for the first time in Austria.”
Despite this big step forward, which makes both Suzuki riders happy, Rins does not want to relax this weekend and is already thinking about the next changes to ask the Japanese manufacturer.
“I am surprised at how well we are doing, but we wait for Saturday and Sunday. Now something very important is missing, which is aerodynamics”, concluded the Barcelona driver.
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