The Swiss chassis manufacturer has discussed the development of his premier class chassis to be used in 2012, and also reviewed the inaugural Moto2 season so far.
Eskil Suter was present at the Misano circuit on Friday where an update on the progress of his MotoGP project was issued. The Swiss chassis manufacturer, who has provided a large section of the inaugural Moto2 grid with frames for the current 2010 season, is developing a premier class prototype to be raced in 2012 when the new MotoGP technical regulations come into effect.
Suter has plans to test a BMW engine in the frame as part of the development process, with a similar imprint as its Moto2 project by providing chassis to teams from 2012. The evolving chassis is due to begin its testing programme in September, and the development will be supported by the Marc VDS Racing Team who are currently running the Moto2 chassis.
“We’re going the same way as we did in Moto2. First we build the motorcycle which we use as a development carrier and we now have more than a year in which to develop a competitive bike. I think our way of working shows it’s the right one, especially when we see many riders in the Moto2 class in the top ten regularly. I hope we can have similar success in MotoGP,” explained Suter who then discussed why the BMW engine has been selected to help with the development of the chassis.
“It’s a very competitive engine already in a standard configuration, and I think it has a lot of potential to further improve for the future. It’s also a similar shape to the 600cc Honda engine so our chassis concept from Moto2 can be carried over into the MotoGP one. As a test rider we will start by using Carmelo Morales and further down the line we will need to see which team we are working closely with, and then we will decide the test rider.”
Suter added: “We have had confirmation from Marc van der Straten (Marc VDS Racing Team President) that he will support us in developing this bike for 2012, and also his aim is to participate in MotoGP in 2012. I hope by that stage we have a very competitive bike available for his team.”
It has been a successful venture into the new Moto2 category this season for Suter, with two victories (Shoya Tomizawa in the opening race in Qatar and Jules Cluzel at Silverstone) and a host of podiums, including two riders in the top three in the previous round at Indianapolis in Julián Simón and Scott Redding.
“We can be happy with the success we’ve had so far, especially as we have no problems – the bike works very well. I think it’s important we can make a great success in Moto2 with all the manufacturers, it’s important for the sport that Moriwaki, FTR and all the others create a good field and competition. I think everyone involved in Moto2 can be happy with this new class,” said Suter.
“We should be able to win a couple of races in this final seven rounds, we have improved the chassis and general package since mid-season. Indianapolis shows we’re on a good pace and we are continuously developing the chassis.”
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