Suzuki President Hints at Racing Return

Toshihiro Suzuki emphasizes the need to expand the brand’s motorcycle lineup before considering a return to MotoGP, following its 2022 exit from the championship.

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Suzuki’s president, Toshihiro Suzuki, has hinted at a possible return to motorcycle racing, including MotoGP, but confirmed there are no immediate plans for the Japanese manufacturer to re-enter the competition.

Suzuki made headlines in 2022 with its unexpected exit from MotoGP, just after committing to a five-year contract extension with Dorna Sports. The decision, attributed to financial constraints and evolving market priorities, marked the end of Suzuki’s factory involvement in motorsport and disbanded the team that had secured the 2020 MotoGP World Championship with Joan Mir.

With MotoGP set to introduce major regulation changes in 2027, switching to 850cc engines running on 100% sustainable fuels, some believe the updated format could tempt manufacturers back to the grid. 

However, in August, Dorna’s Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, stated that any new manufacturer would need to partner with an existing team, similar to Aprilia’s phased return via the Gresini Racing team in 2015.

In a recent interview with Corriere dello Sport, Suzuki acknowledged the importance of MotoGP victories for the brand’s legacy but stressed the need to first prioritize the company’s product lineup.

“Winning in MotoGP was very important for us,” said Suzuki. “But those victories mean little if we don’t have a complete and diverse range of motorcycles for all enthusiasts. Right now, we are not in that position. Once we can offer a range that meets the needs of modern riders, we’ll be ready to return to racing and to win again.”

Suzuki’s absence from MotoGP has not been without speculation. FIM President Jorge Viegas suggested last year that the company could eventually return, saying, “They cannot sell bikes if they are not in competition.”

While Suzuki has largely stepped back from motorsport, the company made an appearance at this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race with a GSX-R powered by partially sustainable fuel, finishing eighth.

Despite the hints of a comeback, Dorna may be hesitant to welcome Suzuki back without proof of long-term commitment, given that the marque has twice left MotoGP since the modern era began in 2002.

Suzuki’s last MotoGP appearance at the 2022 Valencia GP ended on a high note, with Alex Rins taking the GSX-RR to its final victory. However, for Suzuki to return, it will need to rebuild trust with the MotoGP community and demonstrate its capacity for sustained participation in the premier-class championship.