Suzuki surprised the entire MotoGP paddock when it decided to end a successful project at the end of 2022, without warning. Now only two Japanese manufacturers remain – Honda and Yamaha.
And, in recent seasons, both have found themselves in a seemingly endless sporting crisis despite the concessions and many efforts and investments made. This has led to some fears that Honda and Yamaha may follow in Suzuki’s footsteps.
However, FIM president Jorge Viegas rejected the idea that this is a risk, telling MOW Mag: ‘Suzuki made a choice two years ago now, but there is no fear that other Japanese manufacturers will follow that path. Furthermore, not everyone, even in Suzuki itself, was convinced of leaving MotoGP and it doesn’t mean that we won’t see that brand again‘.
The federation manager was convinced of the return of Honda and Yamaha to the top: ‘They will be part of the game and will be protagonists again. Maybe you can’t see it from the outside yet, but they are doing a great job. The concessions will certainly help and I am sure that within a relatively short time we will see them there fighting together with the others. Racing is in their «DNA»‘.
