Exclusive, Melandri: “Suzuki a new Hayate? Why not?!”

As we await official confirmation, which seems increasingly certain, the Suzuki debacle continues to hold court. The Hamamatsu manufacturer’s decision to leave MotoGP seems almost surreal, but has clear precedents, as Marco Melandri well knows, having often found himself faced with this kind of situation throughout his long career.

“Suzuki’s decision is a kick in the teeth for MotoGP”, begins Marco, “something I didn’t expect. After Covid, it looked like the market was up and running again, but there’s actually been a boomerang effect. Those in charge at Suzuki are not racing fans and only see it as a cost, and so they’re starting to pull their oars in. The results up until now have been good but they don’t really care. BMW and I were also leading the championship three races from the end, but those in charge don’t care at all. And for everyone working at the track, this comes as a massive blow.”

Mir and Rins’ current situation is very similar to what you faced in SBK in 2012. What do you think?

“At first, the riders feel these things the least, as they are often able to find another ride, but then there's like a waterfall effect. When they start to realise that the guys on the team need to find work because they have a family, the results take a back seat. And all of this rests on the rider’s shoulders, wearing them down.”

How do you think the rest of the season will go for them?

“They need to be strong, and the guys in the garage need to try not to transmit the stress of the situation. Suppo’s only just arrived and he has a tough job now, as he needs to try and keep the negative energy from the riders, so that they don’t throw the season away already now.”

Melandri: "The manufacturers and teams will now have more power when negotiating with the riders"

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Is it worse to have found out now or, in your case, three races from the end of the season?

“For the guys on the team, it’s better now, as they have more time to find a new job. But I also hope that another team replaces Suzuki, because otherwise there will be less jobs overall. Finding out at the end is a disaster, because everything’s already in place for the following season.”

How do you view the riders’ market now?

“It’s hard to say, but things will definitely start moving now. I think this earthquake will impact on the hiring of riders. With two less competitive bikes and two additional strong riders, the manufacturers and teams will have more negotiating power. I’m thinking about Quartararo for example, who’s negotiating a renewal with Yamaha and now has less ability to cash in”.

Do you think we might see another Hayate case in 2023? Could it work?

“Why not, never say never. The bikes work, and I don’t expect the other bikes to make a massive step next year, also because if I were at Dorna, I’d put the brakes on development. The aerodynamics are really limiting the show for example. Those following behind are starting to struggle to pass, also because you can’t take any real risks while braking from 360 km/m. If the bikes went 30 km/h slower, nothing would change for us watching at home, but the races would be more of a spectacle”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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