As part of the COVID-19 cost-cutting measures introduced last year at the height of the pandemic, all engine development for non-franchise manufacturers (Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, and KTM) has been banned for 2021, and 2020 engines will have to over.
KTM has to comply with the same development ban, but was allowed to build a new engine for homologation, as the original rule was written when it was still a concession manufacturer.
Suzuki has new 2021 parts that it tried out in Qatar, including a new chassis and swingarm, but also took the opportunity with test drivers Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda to begin testing its 2022 engine.
“We immediately started testing a lot of new items,” said Guintoli on Saturday.
“We have a new engine specification for 2022. So we’ve already been working on that.
“And today [Saturday] We also worked a little with the chassis. So a new chassis, a new swing arm, and a different suspension.
“We already worked a lot today, which is very interesting. So, that’s it, full throttle straight away and I haven’t ridden for five months. So I feel it!
“We’re already looking for some improvements in the philosophy that we have because it’s obviously not working too badly at the moment, the 2020/2021 specification.
“Of course the inline four lacks top speed a bit, so we’re trying to compensate a little.
“Since the engine is already very good, it won’t be a big step at the moment.”
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When asked if developing a 2022 engine could have a negative impact on the racers who only have five days of testing before the start of the 2021 season, Guintoli noted that Suzuki had to seize the opportunity due to the unpredictability of the COVID pandemic presented by the current engine shutdown in order to start its work early in 2022.
“This year with the engine spec frozen, we can work this way for 2022,” he explained.
“I think that was a very good thing because it’s so difficult given this situation with COVID.
“I can’t go to Japan for testing. So there have been some tests, but it’s not the same.
“In the few tests we had last year, we tried to make the most of the time, but working for the future now is really important because we don’t know what this year will be … not know how many opportunities we will get.
“We have to get on board immediately, make the most of our time and use the route time we have efficiently.
“A motor specification is not an easy decision, we have to get involved immediately.”
Suzuki has already been caught by a misstep in engine direction when Andrea Iannone chose the wrong preseason in its first year as a non-concession team in 2017.
The Japanese brand struggled year-round and eventually won back its 2018 concessions after a campaign without a podium.