Suzuki will finally debut a rear ride-height device for its GSX-RR this weekend for the Styrian Grand Prix, having been the only MotoGP manufacturer yet to introduce the system.
Reigning MotoGP riders and teams world champions Suzuki have struggled to develop as well as its rivals so far this season, with its machine having not enjoying as many developments-currently leaving them winless, although reigning champion Joan Mir currently sits fourth overall with three rostrum results.
Ducati pioneered its enhanced rear ride-height device last season, a development that meant it could be used not only off the starts but also along straights throughout the lap, the device improving both aerodynamic efficiency-allowing for greater acceleration-while it also helps with braking stability and improved wheelie behaviour on corner exit.
Most manufacturers have since developed their own versions of the system, with Suzuki having effectively given away a couple tenths-of-a-second per lap by not running it.
Team Suzuki Ecstar Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi confirmed the news in the latest edition of Suzuki’s Racing Magazine, the Japanese revealing that the marque had been hard at work throughout the summer break to bring the rear ride-height for the second half of the year to rebuild its title tilt.
“We are certainly satisfied with the GSX-RR 2021,” said Kawauchi.
“But there is always room for improvement, and we believe the arrival of the height adjuster will help our riders perform better.
“When we compete in MotoGP, at the highest level of our sport, the challenge for improvement is continuous.”
Suzuki’s chief struggle so far this year has been towards the start of races due to its lack of qualifying speed that leave it starting further down the grid than it should, while the lack of a rear ride-height device leave its riders hamstrung on race starts.
Suzuki is currently only fourth and fifth in the manufacturers and teams standings respectively, in part due to the struggles with second rider Alex Rins.
The Spaniard is a lowly 14th in the riders points courtesy of a string of crashes from strong positions, the three-time MotoGP race winner having failed to breach the top ten since the opening two contests of the term in Qatar.
