Having returned to MotoGP full-time in 2015 and received the championship with Joan in 2020, Suzuki made the shock announcement half manner by way of the 2022 season that it could be ending its involvement on the finish of the marketing campaign.
Suzuki cited monetary causes in addition to altering market traits as its main purpose, with the Japanese marque’s withdrawal from factory-supported racing having a knock-on impact in quite a few paddocks.
Talking throughout the Assen World Superbike spherical on Friday, Viegas stated he believes Suzuki will at some point return to MotoGP as “they can not promote bikes if they don’t seem to be in competitors” and is “optimistic” different manufacturers will spend money on FIM-sanctioned world championships going ahead.
“It is robust as a result of Suzuki left us,” he stated when requested by Autosport what the FIM hopes to do to draw producers to MotoGP and WSBK.
“I had the event to talk to Mr Suzuki himself in Japan, they usually stated they had been going to take a position all the cash they’d in a brand new kind of engine, blah, blah, blah.
“I feel they are going to be again. They can’t promote bikes if they don’t seem to be in competitors.
“We had two very robust years with the COVID, however I feel issues are getting a lot better now and I feel that new producers will take part each competitions – in MotoGP and [World] Superbikes, which isn’t straightforward as a result of the funding in MotoGP primarily is big.
Joan Mir, Group Suzuki MotoGP
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“However in Superbikes it’s essential have an excellent funding to be aggressive.
“However you see now within the Endurance [World Championship], Ducati is becoming a member of, which was not the case earlier than. They usually have the assistance of the manufacturing facility.
“So, I’m optimistic however what now we have to do to carry them is to have the laws made in keeping with the producers – not towards them, in any other case they won’t come.
“So all of that is an interactive system that we’re doing on a regular basis with the promoter, with the MSMA, and throughout the FIM we talk about so much. So, that is the one manner: to debate and determine.”
Viegas added that, in MotoGP phrases, it is just lacking involvement from Kawasaki and BMW – however presently there is not scope to increase on the grid’s present 5 manufacturers.
“In MotoGP, we’re lacking Kawasaki and BMW,” he stated.
“However they do not need to come, and there isn’t any room in the interim. Perhaps Suzuki will come again, we’ll see.”
