MotoGP returned this weekend with Team Suzuki Ecstar putting the 2022 GSX-RR to the test at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, fresh off the back of its launch on Friday. Sporting their new leathers and livery, Joan Mir and Alex Rins took to the track alongside test rider and 2021 EWC champion Sylvain Guintoli.
There were plenty of new things to try for Mir and Rins, riding for the first time since the Jerez test in November. One being a new engine, following further improvements made over the winter months. In addition, Team Suzuki also brought a new version of the ride height adjuster first seen last season, with a focus on testing it alongside new adaptations to the chassis, swingarm, and electronics.
Guintoli had already spent some time testing the new engine, aero packages, and rear ride height adjuster at the three-day shakedown test earlier in the week, so turned his attention to the electronics and new front suspension options during Saturday and Sunday’s testing.
Day one of testing saw Team Suzuki finish close to the top time, with Mir completing a solid 68 laps and Rins a whopping 72; the highest number of any rider on the day. Both riders reported positive feelings at the end of day one, with Mir hoping to work on electronics and Rins looking to work on aerodynamics on day two.
The second day of testing sadly saw the familiar late afternoon rain storms arrive, cutting short the riders’ track time. One of the main areas of focus for both Mir and Rins was aero, before each rider took their own path to fine-tune other elements, with Mir working on the swingarm and Rins on the suspension.
Despite the poor weather conditions, Rins completed a total of 37 laps, reporting improvements compared to day one of testing and was satisfied with his pace, finishing just over a tenth off the fastest time. Mir put in 35 laps, noting that he was able to feel the potential of the engine more clearly than the previous day and felt happy with the progress made.
Reflecting on the weekend of testing, Mir said, “Overall I’m really happy about the last two days here. The bike is working well and my feeling is good. I understood the potential of the new bike and the new engine and I have no complaints. Both Alex and I feel that we’ve made a step forward, and that’s an important thing."
Looking ahead to the next test, Rins said, “We’re going to Mandalika with a very good bike. I’m going to watch some superbike races to try and understand how the Mandalika circuit is, and I’m really excited to arrive there because the supporters there are amazing.”
The next stop for Team Suzuki Ecstar is the Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia, a brand new track, for another three days of testing February 11-13.