MotoGP rivals support Suzuki regaining concessions

After a difficult 2017 season in which it failed to score a single top-three finish, Suzuki once again has the right to perform unlimited engine development and testing with its factory riders in 2018.

It originally had these rights prior to last year, but lost them after Maverick Vinales delivered the Hamamatsu marque its first victory since 2007 at Silverstone.

Asked for their opinion on the situation, the respective bosses of Honda and Yamaha both said they felt that Suzuki being granted concessions to catch up would ultimately benefit all parties concerned.

"I think it’s a good rule, honestly," said then-Honda team principal Livio Suppo. "It has been proven the last few years, that to help the manufacturers that are struggling is good for the championship.

"At the moment the competition between all manufacturers is quite close, this is good for the show and this is very important for all of us.

"If Suzuki is struggling but has the possibility to speed up the process of development, it’s good.

"What KTM has done this season is amazing, without this rule it would be impossible. If now there are all these manufacturers can race very close, one bike close to the other, it’s good for all of us."

Yamaha team boss Lin Jarvis added: "If Suzuki are able to use these concessions to step up their game and become more competitive, it raises the whole level.

"And I think one of our advantages compared to other top motorsport disciplines is that the level of racing this year has been absolutely phenomenal.

"The more competitive weekends we can have with all manufacturers present, it’s better for all of us."

Ducati's Paolo Ciabatti also highlighted the example of the Italian manufacturer being able to make use of the concession rules in previous years in order to return to competitiveness.

"As you know Ducati took advantage of these rules when we were not competitive, to be able to step up development of the bike," said Ciabatti.

"And [when] we came to a level where we could score podium finishes, we lost the concessions. I think it’s a rule that applies to everyone, and it’s fair.

"It has helped the championship to become so competitive, allowing new manufacturers to join the series with the chance of getting to the level of the top teams and top manufacturers."