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Elias, Dunlop and Waters to test GSX-RR at Sepang

A

AntG

Joined Feb 2015
1K Posts | 678+
England
https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/elias-handed-sepang-test-chance-by-suzuki-997822/

Suzuki will reward three of its Superbike riders, including former MotoGP race winner Toni Elias, with a chance to test the GSX-RR in Sepang next week.

Along with MotoAmerica champion Elias, Michael Dunlop and Josh Waters will also be present in Malaysia for their success in the Isle of Man TT and Australian Superbike series respectively.

They will ride the 2017 version of the Suzuki MotoGP bike on January 25-26, during the private Sepang test that precedes the first official test that begins on January 28.
 
With Ianonne ‘s future at Suzuki in doubt, could this possibly be a tryout for Elias. Old pro who could give team stop gap leadership for next couple of years while Rins developes.
 
povol said:
With Ianonne ‘s future at Suzuki in doubt, could this possibly be a tryout for Elias. Old pro who could give team stop gap leadership for next couple of years while Rins developes.
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Possibly if he shows good enough speed compared to GP regulars, he'll undoubtedly be the fastest of those 3 by some distance though.
 
Would love to see some pics and details of Dunlop's performance on that thing
 
#22 said:
Would love to see some pics and details of Dunlop's performance on that thing
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Me too but I wouldn't expect much, I know on occasions he's shown ability on the circuits like the time he blew a bunch of BSB lads away at Mondello but he's never been to Sepang, never ridden a MotoGP machine, probably a bit too heavy for a MotoGP machine and when he's raced out in Macau and New Zealand in recent years he's struggled with the humidity. I'm sure he'll have a blast though, probably a once in a lifetime chance he's got here.
 
Great to see Josh Waters getting a nice reward for taking out the 2017 ASBK title. Makes you wonder what their mindset must be like when given opportunities like these in terms of how far they should get out of their comfort zone pushing a bike they're not familiar with. I would imagine that for Waters he might see this as a golden opportunity to turn some heads in the Motogp team.
 
The Burning Barber said:
Great to see Josh Waters getting a nice reward for taking out the 2017 ASBK title. Makes you wonder what their mindset must be like when given opportunities like these in terms of how far they should get out of their comfort zone pushing a bike they're not familiar with. I would imagine that for Waters he might see this as a golden opportunity to turn some heads in the Motogp team.
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Talented rider Josh is, won some races in BSB a few years back when the Suzuki was a bit of a dog and outscored his teammate John Hopkins, struggled with consistency overall though.
 
AntG said:
Me too but I wouldn't expect much, I know on occasions he's shown ability on the circuits like the time he blew a bunch of BSB lads away at Mondello but he's never been to Sepang, never ridden a MotoGP machine, probably a bit too heavy for a MotoGP machine and when he's raced out in Macau and New Zealand in recent years he's struggled with the humidity. I'm sure he'll have a blast though, probably a once in a lifetime chance he's got here.
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Of course, but the bloke rides like a lunatic, would love to see him on it.

AntG said:
Talented rider Josh is, won some races in BSB a few years back when the Suzuki was a bit of a dog and outscored his teammate John Hopkins, struggled with consistency overall though.
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I've never gotten over his bowling balling Guintoli at Donington and half the pack at Mallory a while back though.
 
#22 said:
Of course, but the bloke rides like a lunatic, would love to see him on it.



I've never gotten over his bowling balling Guintoli at Donington and half the pack at Mallory a while back though.
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I'd like to see the reactions of the Suzuki fellas when Michael's riding it like he's riding a wild bull. I bet it's like letting a headbanger into the ballet.

I think Suzuki are trying to keep him sweet though, he's not announced his plans this year yet and according to a few people he's been eyeing up a Beemer.

Also that was Josh Brookes who went Kamikaze at Donny and Mallory, not Waters.
 
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I've read that these lads weren't allowed to use the official MotoGP Michelin tyre because it would eat into Suzukis allocation for pre-season testing.
 
AntG said:
I've read that these lads weren't allowed to use the official MotoGP Michelin tyre because it would eat into Suzukis allocation for pre-season testing.
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I had read that they were able to use last season's tyres ............. or am I mixed up with the Ducati tests?

Either way, it does sound right that they would be restricted in tyre choice
 
Gaz said:
I had read that they were able to use last season's tyres ............. or am I mixed up with the Ducati tests?

Either way, it does sound right that they would be restricted in tyre choice
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Maybe you're right but yeah it does make sense to give them old rubber since it's essentially just a "gift" for their success with Suzuki last year.

Don't think they're announcing lap times either.
 
AntG said:
Maybe you're right but yeah it does make sense to give them old rubber since it's essentially just a "gift" for their success with Suzuki last year.

Don't think they're announcing lap times either.
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Absolutely no sense at all

All times will be 'unofficial' or 'hand timed'
 
Just on Suzuki giving these guys a go I have also forgotten to say well done to them as for me, it is a big credit to Suzuki that they have chosen to reward the efforts of other riders of their product with the opportunity, and not just any opportunity but a chance to ride their MotoGP bike.

Big credit Suzuki.
 
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I've seen a few pics of Michael(who looks way too big for that bike) and Josh having go, apparently Elias didn't go out.
 

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