Suzuki in MotoGP: A Japanese legend between glory and unexpected departure

Suzuki is one of the historic manufacturers of the World Motorcycle Speed ​​Championship. Present since the 1960s, the Japanese brand has crossed the decades with a philosophy combining performance , innovation and passion . Between glorious beginnings, temporary withdrawal, spectacular comeback and a surprise departure in 2022, Suzuki has left an indelible mark on the history of MotoGP .

Suzuki's racing debut

Suzuki entered the international arena in 1960 at the Isle of Man Grand Prix in the 125cc class. Three years earlier, it had already been testing its prototypes on the island's winding roads. Its first major breakthrough came in 1962, when Ernst Degner , an East German defector and two-stroke engine expert, gave Suzuki its first world title in the 50cc class.

Thanks to advanced technology for the time (compact, powerful and lightweight engines), the brand quickly made a place for itself in small engines , where it won several titles in the 1960s, laying the foundations of its technical identity.

Suzuki in 500cc: domination and legends

From the 1970s onwards, Suzuki began to take on the 500cc category, considered the king of the championship. The RG500 , a motorcycle with a square-four two-stroke engine, became the benchmark. Easy to handle and extremely powerful , it attracted many riders and private teams.

The British Barry Sheene became a legend by giving Suzuki its first two 500cc titles, in 1976 and 1977. A flamboyant , media-friendly and talented rider, he embodied the Suzuki style of the time: fast , charismatic , unpredictable .

Other champions will follow:

• Marco Lucchinelli – 500cc World Champion in 1981.
• Franco Uncini – Title in 1982, despite a career abruptly interrupted after an accident.
• Kevin Schwantz – Champion in 1993, famous for his combative style and his legendary number 34.

During this period, Suzuki also stood out for its proximity to satellite and private teams , offering them competitive equipment at a lower cost, reinforcing its reputation as an accessible and loyal manufacturer.

The MotoGP challenge: difficult transition to 4-stroke

In 2002, the regulations changed to MotoGP , with 4-stroke engines up to 990 cc. Suzuki introduced the GSV-R , equipped with a V4 engine. Although innovative , the bike suffered from development problems, particularly in electronics and traction.

Notable pilots of this era:

• John Hopkins – Talented and combative, but limited by mechanics.
• Chris Vermeulen – Winner at Le Mans in 2007 in the rain, marking one of the few successes for the GSV-R.
• Loris Capirossi – Experienced, but handicapped by the technical limitations of the motorcycle.

Despite the team's efforts, results remained inconsistent . Suzuki eventually announced its temporary withdrawal at the end of the 2011 season.

Strategic withdrawal (2011 – 2014)

Faced with rising costs and global economic constraints, Suzuki has officially withdrawn from MotoGP . But behind the scenes, the manufacturer is working on an ambitious project to return with an all-new machine . The goal: to come back stronger, better prepared, and aligned with the new realities of modern MotoGP (unified ECU, Michelin tires, aerodynamic restrictions).

The triumphant return: GSX-RR and rebirth (2015 – 2022)

In 2015, Suzuki returned with the GSX-RR , a 4-cylinder in-line motorcycle that prioritized maneuverability and balance . It wasn't the most powerful on the grid, but its cornering precision and reliability quickly made it a formidable competitor.

Under the leadership of Davide Brivio , Suzuki developed a lightweight and close-knit structure, focused on riders and technical consistency. In 2016, Maverick Viñales gave the GSX-RR its first victory at Silverstone, relaunching the brand's sporting image.

The bike evolves every season, maintaining its philosophy of homogeneity : no dominant raw power, but an "easy to ride", constant and balanced bike.

2020: The year of consecration

Joan Mir made history in 2020. Taking advantage of a season disrupted by the pandemic , he adopted a strategy of consistency . A single victory (Valencia), but a series of podiums and solid rankings gave him the MotoGP world title.

It was the first title for a Suzuki rider since Kevin Schwantz in 1993, and the first of the 4-stroke era. The team also won the teams' title, proving the effectiveness of their collective philosophy .

A Brutal and Misunderstood Ending (2022)

In May 2022, Suzuki abruptly announced its withdrawal from MotoGP , citing economic reasons and a change in overall strategy . This decision surprised the entire paddock, especially since the GSX-RR remains very competitive .

The start was painful , but the brand finished with panache : Álex Rins took two victories (Australia and Valencia), symbolizing a dignified and moving farewell. The mechanics, engineers and drivers mourned this unique human adventure , unanimously welcomed by the other teams and the fans.

The faces of Suzuki in Grand Prix

• Barry Sheene – Charisma, panache, and audacity. The first to bring Suzuki to global prominence.
• Kevin Schwantz – A hero to a generation, a brand ambassador to this day.
• Chris Vermeulen – Architect of the only success of the GSV-R era.
• Maverick Viñales – Artisan of renewal with the GSX-RR.
• Joan Mir – 2020 World Champion, intelligent and strategic driver.
• Alex Rins – Heart on the track, last to make Suzuki win.

Why Suzuki made MotoGP history

• A rich list of achievements : several world titles in 50cc, 125cc, 500cc and MotoGP.
• A human-sized manufacturer: often behind budget-wise, but always combative .
• An identifiable style : balanced motorcycles, sober design, collective approach.
• Authentic pilots: often trained in-house, loyal and passionate .

And then? Heritage and other disciplines

Although Suzuki has left MotoGP , it has not abandoned motorcycle racing . The brand remains very active in World Endurance , with the Suzuki Yoshimura SERT team, multiple times World Endurance Champion (EWC), notably in 2021. This area allows the brand to continue to innovate while promoting the reliability of its machines.

In the longer term, some hope for a return to MotoGP , perhaps under new technical regulations, or with an independent project by 2030.

Anecdotes and tributes

• The GSX-RR was often considered by riders to be the "most enjoyable " bike on the grid.
• Kevin Schwantz never wanted to race with any manufacturer other than Suzuki , a symbol of rare loyalty .
• The " Suzuki Ecstar " logo was retained even after the withdrawal, as a tribute to the years spent in competition.

Conclusion

Suzuki has offered MotoGP fans a unique adventure, filled with technical challenges, flamboyant riders and unforgettable victories . Its understated yet effective style, team spirit and ability to bounce back make it a legend of the championship. Even in its absence , its mark remains vivid in the hearts of fans, on the racetracks and in the history books of motorcycle sport .