Team Suzuki Ecstar shows the presentation video of their new weapon, the 2016 GSX-RR. Suzuki returned to MotoGP two seasons ago, with a motorcycle prototype that no longer used the V4 architecture, opting instead for an in-line four engine.
Suzuki's two factory riders, multiple CRT champion Aleix Espargaro and rookie Maverick Vinales, finished the 2015 championship in the 11th and 12th place, respectively. For a factory back in the premier class with an entirely new bike, Suzuki performed decently, but the expectations are much higher this year.
Thankfully, it appears that Hamamatsu's machine got significantly better over the winter, and the 2016 impersonation is performing much more impressively. The new bike is referred to as "Evolution," and we're eager to see how it plays in racing conditions.
We saw Vinales showing an incredible riding pace during the latest IRTA test at Phillip Island, topping the lap time sheets and showing performance that puts him in line with the "aliens." Aside from the improved machine, it looks like Vinales might be one of the new MotoGP stars.
A rookie, yet a very fast one nevertheless, Vinales showed that he can keep up with the World Champions, albeit during an official test. However, it's wise not to eliminate Vinales from the podium contenders this year, and it looks like the machine he's on will also help him fight for better race results.
People who are closer to the MotoGP scene even see Vinales as one of the naturally gifted riders, who has been waiting for the best machine possible to show what he can do. If this turns out to be true, then the 2016 MotoGP season might be even more thrilling than anticipated.
The stakes are already high, with the issues between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi on the one hand, the rivalry between Rossi and Lorenzo on the other, and at least four riders who will fight for the 2016 crown each second they are on the track.
Can you imagine how wild 2016 could be with Ducati and Suzuki becoming noticeably more competitive?
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