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The Suzuki MotoGP factory team has officially unveiled the 2018 version of its GSX-RR grand prix racing motorcycle.
Its new bike, sporting a largely unchanged light blue livery, was presented to the public on Saturday at the Sepang International Circuit, the day before the first collective pre-season test of 2018 kicks off at the Malaysian venue.
Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins will reprise their roles as the Japanese marque’s factory MotoGP riders this year, having both arrived at the team in 2017.
Suzuki had enjoyed a breakthrough campaign the year before that, winning its first race in nearly a decade with Maverick Vinales, but it then endured a particularly troubled season with its all-new line-up.
Iannone, a grand prix winner at Ducati, finished 13th in the standings, whereas Rins ended his rookie season in 16th, having missed several races to injury.
“We’ve been really looking forward to this year,” said team manager Davide Brivio.
“We had kind of a difficult season in 2017, but as I’ve already said to all our guys, 2017 has been useful and we want to get the good from the difficulties.
“I think we learned a lot, and it was a good opportunity to further improve the bike and stick together as a group.”
As both riders missed out on scoring a podium throughout the campaign, Suzuki will be allowed certain concessions – namely unlimited engine development and factory rider testing.
Suzuki has already been out on track at Sepang this week in preparation for the official pre-season test as it fielded tester Sylvain Guintoli and a trio of Superbike riders.