Suter test MotoGP machine at Estoril

The Swiss chassis manufacturer ran its developing 2012 MotoGP prototype at the Portuguese circuit following the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal.

 

Swiss chassis manufacturer Suter closed two days of a Test of its developing 2012 MotoGP machine at the Estoril circuit on Wednesday, in a continuation of its preparations for entry into next season’s premier class World Championship.

Working with development partners the Marc VDS Racing Team the Swiss-made machine, which uses a BMW engine, is being designed to take advantage of the new Technical Regulations which come into effect in 2012 and allow a maximum engine capacity of 1,000cc.

Profiting from sunny conditions at Estoril an advanced version of the prototype with a more powerful version of the BMW S1000RR engine, a completely revised electronics package, and carbon brakes was rolled out. The evolving machine, which was previously tested last November and again in February, was ridden by test riders Damian Cudlin and Carmelo Morales.

Morales, currently competing in the Moto2 category of the CEV Buckler (Spanish National Championship) noted major improvements in the machine, which included a successful adaptation to Bridgestone tyres that were used on the prototype for the first time. The Japanese manufacturer, official tyre supplier to the MotoGP class, worked closely with the team and Suter throughout the day.

Australian Cudlin stated at the conclusion of Wednesday: “It took a little bit of time to adjust to the changes to the bike, mainly the Bridgestone tyres, the carbon brakes and the new electronics package, but I think we managed to work our way through the whole test program at Estoril.”

“The bike has certainly been improved since the Jerez test at the end of last year, but there's still a lot of work to do. Getting the electronics package working properly will be critical if the bike is to be competitive, and this is what we were focused on during the second day. 

We saw some improvements, and collected a lot of data, but we definitely need more track time if we're going to get everything dialled in properly. Overall it was a very positive test, and we leave Estoril with a very clear idea of the direction we need to take with the development of the bike."

http://www.motogp.com/en/photos/2011/Suter+Estoril+Test+0