Suzuki's 2018 MotoGP bike unveiled

The bike, sporting a largely unchanged light blue livery, was presented to the public on Saturday at the Sepang International Circuit, the day before the first collective pre-season test of 2018 kicks off at the Malaysian venue.

“All the Suzuki engineers in the factory and the team members have been working relentlessly during the winter, and we hope we have found a good basis to restart in a good way,” said team manager Davide Brivio.

“The most important thing is that we are starting again and we were able to harvest a lot of good experience from last season when we struggled so much, especially during the first three quarters of the championship.

“We have learned from the difficulties and the group have stayed strong all the time despite the disappointing results.”

Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins will reprise their roles as the Japanese marque's factory MotoGP riders this year, having both arrived at the team in 2017.

Suzuki had enjoyed a breakthrough campaign the year before that, winning its first race in nearly a decade with Maverick Vinales, but it then endured a particularly troubled season with its all-new line-up.

Iannone, a grand prix winner at Ducati, finished 13th in the standings, whereas Rins ended his rookie season in 16th, having missed several races to injury.

“Once we identify the problems we suffered last year, and then add to that a really good technical basis, we can achieve our goals, and those are to try to fight in the top five in every race,” Iannone said.

“During the winter break I worked really hard not only physically but also mentally and I feel confident we can complete a fantastic season.”

Rins said: “I think this time I’m arriving in much better form than last year, and I finished last season with a very good feeling on the bike. In any case, I want to keep learning.

“Our idea is to gain more kilometres with the new GSX-RR, continue improving my pace on a MotoGP bike, and take everything race by race.”

As both riders missed out on scoring a podium throughout the campaign, Suzuki will be allowed certain concessions – namely unlimited engine development and factory rider testing.

Suzuki has already been out on track at Sepang this week in preparation for the official pre-season test as it fielded test rider Sylvain Guintoli and a trio of Superbike aces.