Exclusive, Uncini on Suzuki’s withdrawal: “I’m saddened, it’s like déjà-vu”

The news of Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP has taken everyone by surprise. Not least Franco Uncini, who is now in charge of safety but who rode for the Hamamatsu manufacturer for many years, even winning the title with them in 1982. The Italian tells us what he thinks of this move, one that, for us on the outside at least, appears inexplicable.

How did you take the news?

“Very, very badly. I’m astonished and also a bit disappointed because at a time like this, when Suzuki is highly competitive with two strong riders, a good team, a bike fighting for the title, to leave is a very big mistake. I’m disappointed and saddened because, in my particular case, I’ve always followed Suzuki a little more closely.”

And it’s so unexpected.

“Absolutely, but thinking about it, it’s similar to my story. In 1982 I won the title, Joan Mir won it in 2020. The withdrawal came soon after and, even back then, it came as a surprise. I’m a little shocked, no one expected it and I’m really sorry because it’s a great name, a great bike, with great riders. The news is a little peeving.”

And they’d just hired Livio Suppo as team manager.

“So they clearly set out with the intention of continuing and doing well, so I don’t understand how it all changed so quickly. It seems they’ve made this important decision very fast. And it’s a big step backwards. At the start of the season, they were thinking about expanding with a satellite team, and now we have the exact opposite.”

There is talk of financial issues relating to the pandemic, what do you think?

“We don’t know the real reasons, but this was the kind of excuse used in ’83 too. At the time, they talked of economic reasons and putting more of a focus on production. So budget-related issues, or at least something to do with the market crisis. Is that an excuse? I wouldn’t know. I don’t know the real reasons, but I have the impression the decision’s been made in a hurry.”

What do you think this will mean for MotoGP?

“It’s a significant loss, but luckily we have many other manufacturers that will continue. It’s just one less piece in the puzzle. Right now, Aprilia has become competitive, Ducati is successful and the others are also at a high level. MotoGP will continue without Suzuki. It’s a pity that a great manufacturer will be missing. The riders, Mir and Rins, will stay because they’ll move elsewhere, they’ll have no problems.”

Translated by Heather Watson

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