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SUZUKI ECSTAR MOTOGP™ TESTING Introducing new tech at Valencia & Sepang FULL CIRCLE STEFAN EVERTS RETURNS TO SUZUKI

Almost 25 years have passed since Stefan Everts joined his father Harry in delivering an FIM 125cc Motocross World Championship for Suzuki – a 12th crown in 15 seasons for the RM125 – and now one of the most famous names in the rich history of the sport is making his return to the brand where it all started.

02 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 03 “IT IS A VERY BIG CHALLENGE AND A BIG RESPONSIBILITY…BUT ACTUALLY, I THINK I AM READY FOR IT”

Everts’ magnificent achievement of 101 Grand “I have been friends with Sylvain for many years as fuel injection and electronics and all the while able to build up some experience on the other side Prix victories and 10 world titles as a professional and we’d always talk at the GPs. I knew for a keeping Suzuki at the forefront of the premier of the fence. I feel ready! And I needed something racer began with Hamamatsu’s finest technology while that he was looking at retirement and a time class of the FIM series. Names like Strijbos, De new. at the beginning of the 1990s. Sylvain Geboers to stop,” explains Everts, who ‘retired’ himself at Dycker, Ramon and Desalle have all boosted the – a faithful steward and long-time bastion of the end of a final championship triumph in 2006 large silverware collection at Lommel in the last “With Suzuki it will be a lot,” he adds. “I will have Suzuki’s racing progression at the highest level for and has barely stepped away from Grand Prix. 10 years. to run a company with a lot of people under my three decades overseeing 125, 250 and MX1 title “We never really talked about it too much because wings. I’ve worked in the past with the Japanese success – plucked the young Belgian to continue I was very busy in my former job but it got to a Everts will take on this mantle and the lofty and it is a completely different way to go about where the likes of , Akira Watanabe, point where I was not happy in what I was doing standards set by Geboers and his dedicated team things. It is going to be different but fun and I’m (three times), , Michele for a living and we talked more. I was excited of professionals that have not changed radically sure it will be rewarding.” Rinaldi and Donny Schmidt had trodden about it from the beginning. We chatted for some through the passing of many racing campaigns. previously. months and I made my decision in the summer.” GRP also oversees Suzuki’s MX2 and European Stefan, since 2006 you’ve had a range of Championship programme that has witnessed responsibilities like working with R&D, senior Now, with Everts’ acquisition of Geboers Racing GRP – Suzuki’s forceful European base located talent like , Jeremy Seewer and Brian management, team management and rider Promotion (GRP) from the former 250cc Grand in Lommel and a few kilometres from the Hsu grow-up and prosper ‘in yellow.’ coaching. At Suzuki what will it be now? Prix winner in the early 1970s, the 43 year old notoriously tough sandy Grand Prix venue – has has come back to launch a new stage of his post- been the breeding ground for the development of “It is a very big challenge and a big “I think it will still be a multi-functional role. I competitive career and take Suzuki onwards into the company’s flagship off-road racer, the RM- responsibility…but actually, I think I am ready for will need good people in my team that I can trust the third decade of the century. Z450, since the model was introduced to replace it,” he states. “I have the age and the knowledge. I and can rely on but I will need to make some the potent RM250 in 2004. The works team has have been retired for nine years and thanks to my major decisions that I’m sure will come up. What helped evolve the through phases such job as co-ordinator at another manufacturer I was will also be important for me is to continue to

04 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 05 “I LOVE THIS SPORT SO MUCH AND I LOVE TO TRAVEL “THEY WERE AND BE AT THE RACES. I LOVE FINDING NEW TALENT. I STILL LOVE WINNING!” MY FIRST LOVE”

have this close relationship with riders and help comments like ‘what is he doing trying to be a “I think a lot of things can be changed. I think I cannot do all of it and need the help of Suzuki and support them. I think it is a strong extra team owner?!’ for the last few years Sylvain has been going into but I think it is the right time to try and fit it benefit I can bring. In this respect I have to give a mode of just getting the team organised and together. It will take a few years of course and I credit to my Dad for all his help on this side. I “It is something that motivates me even more to I believe some sort of ‘refresh’ and some new have three and five year targets in my mind.” will also work with sponsors and try to find new show that I can do it. I love the fact that people motivation pumped into the team will help. partners. I need someone who can help prepare feel they have to say those things because it drives Sylvain has a few years on the clock and I think As an athlete Everts wore FIM championship that part. We have been talking only about a me on. I really feel ready for what I am doing even it is totally understandable that he does not have medals with three other Japanese brands and has few sides of the job; we haven’t even mentioned if someone will say: ‘he’s crazy.’ I love this sport that dynamism to push forwards any more. I’d notable legacies with two of those manufacturers. the testing and development of the bikes and so much and I love to travel and be at the races. I like to change the team set-up in the future, such The fact that Suzuki is where his illustrious career the whole strategy behind the team structure. love finding new talent. I still love winning! I want as the fact that we have the hospitality truck surged into the big time is not lost on the Belgian. Fortunately Sylvain will be at my side for the to be the best and I was born this way and will that is really cool but needs to be used more and “They were my first love,” he says. “Sylvain is the next three years to help me out for some things die this way. I want success with this team. A lot perhaps can look even better in the future. I’d one who got me into Suzuki. He saw me riding like the contact with Suzuki and to teach me also of things need to change, to move and be pushed like to create a really strong team image. On the as a 13-14 year old and he was impressed. Suzuki how to do things in the best possible way and forward. It will be hard work and a ‘helluva job multimedia side we can work harder and expand shipped two bikes from at a time when slowly gain the trust of the Japanese engineers and but I always try to think of the positive side. our profile more. The interaction with the fans they were not doing much at all in off-road and management.” is important. On another side I’d like to push motocross. They had stopped for a few years but Suzuki has been at the front of MXGP for so Suzuki with their model range and give more he gained their support and that was where it all It’s curious that through your career people long and constantly in title contention. There options for the market. Things like merchandising started for me. I raced for him for five seasons and made comments like ‘he cannot win with will be pressure to keep that going, but are as well. I see a lot of paths we can explore. I see a we won a championship and took a second and a Husky, he cannot win 100 GPs, he cannot win there also things you want to change and see big opportunity. third. Those were some great years and I respected three motos in a day’ and now they also make done differently? what Sylvain and Suzuki gave me.”

06 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 07 STEFAN EVERTS Q & A

How do you see the MX2/ is onboard. Some European Championship side of people would consider the 30 the team developing? year old a risk, others might see it as an inspired move. How SE: The plan in the future is to get the whole did you end up signing the New MX2 team under the GRP structure. I want to Zealander? give focus on the MX2 development and find good EMX riders who can be our future factory SE: riders. The goals are eventually to battle for the Maybe some people can see it as a risky move championships in all classes. but Ben and I have been in contact for a while and when he visited Europe last spring we had a lot of late night talks…finally he asked one Kevin Strijbos will again lead the morning if my dad and I would coach him for his comeback. I did not expect this at all; I was team. You used to battle on the blown away. I’ve known Ben since he arrived in track in 2005-2006 and now you Europe back in 2001 and know that he can be Geboers recalls: “I saw him riding for the first and therefore a lot of our power. I believe this are working together. What are a very stubborn man. He has a strong mind and time on either a 125 or a 250 and could see is now coming back through Stefan and all the your thoughts and will you have character. He really opened up and threw his soul there was some potential and he was a talented experience he has and even through working for a one or two riders beside him? on the table. I explained to him how I have learnt boy. Of course he was together with his Dad European manufacturer after his riding days. to work during my career and how I had to admit and we talked to Harry and said: ‘we have to do We want to use that.” that I didn’t believe in comeback, but when I SE: something.’ I believe that I can make Kevin stronger! I saw Ben racing at Glen Helen and Erneé for the After being such an integral part of Suzuki’s know his weak points and we’ve already started Motocross of Nations, we were all impressed. We “There was no way then to know he would win motocross across a period almost reaching half working on those with him. I believe that we gave him a real chance and here we are together. all of those titles and make such an impact on a century, Geboers might be handing over have never seen the best off him in an entire Knowing that Ben opened-up and wants to go the sport,” the Belgian continues. “He was still so the ‘reigns’ but is not planning on wholesale season. It’s my challenge to make him believe that Grand Prix racing differently, plus how he wants young and in his first year with me he was shy and retirement just yet. “I will be around to make sure he can do it; everyone knows that he’s got the to work, I believe he can make a nice comeback. didn’t talk so much! He was under control of his everything goes smoothly as Stefan steps into my talent. Ben Townley will be by his side and we dad…who was tough with him. shoes,” he explains. “I will give my experience and will support Steven Frossard if he makes it back. knowledge where it counts and I will also still be We signed him just before he had his accident at The RM-Z450: is there much the Lombardia Grand Prix at Mantova. We had “Later on we talked again about completing the involved on the technical side and hope to do so work to be done on the race bike story and winning a last title on a Suzuki but it while I’m still physically able!” to make a decision on whether we will have three would have been difficult as he was riding with riders because Steven’s condition and recovery was because it is already proven to be Yamaha at the time and we’ve always been close As for Everts, supported by wife Kelly, two young still unsure and we did not know when he would competitive? to Michele [Rinaldi],” he reflects. “What we have children and father Harry, he is now ready to be fit to ride again. now is a good opportunity for GRP, Suzuki and give back. Suzuki has won Grands Prix in MXGP SE: I have always seen and believed that the Stefan; after all there is only one ‘Stefan Everts,’ every year since 2006 and if ‘72’ can impart any Suzuki is one of the better bikes on the track. one rider who has won 10 world titles. I think of his skill, wisdom and technique onto his new Now that I have tested one I am even more he can be a huge help to riders and knows what charges in the future then the sight of those fast convinced. The RM-Z450 is more-than capable it takes to win and become champion. A few RM-Zs will continue to be enjoyed right at the and ready for success. It’s now a matter off getting years ago we, as Suzuki, lost Roger [De Coster] front of the pack. the riders ready to go and do it!

08 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 09 10 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 11 Suzuki Motor Corporation has always believed that technology acquired on the racetrack today is carried forward to its production machines, but for 2015 MODEL SUZUKI FU150 SPEC 2015 the investment also includes nurturing and developing potential World Engine type: single cylinder 4-stroke, liquid- Front suspension: Telescopic, threaded spring, oil Champions of the future with two new one-make championships; the SUZUKI cooled DOHC. bearing forks. ASIAN CHALLENGE and the Suzuki Gixxer Cup. Displacement: 148cc. Rear suspension: Swing arm with monoshock. Bore x stroke: 62.0 mm x 48.8 mm Front tyre: 70/90-17M/C. Electrics: CDI. Rear tyre: 80/90-17M/C. Compression ratio: 10.2 : 1. W x L x H: 670mm x 1,945mm x 980mm. Following success with the ‘underbone’ Suzuki Carburettor: Mikuni BS 26-187. Weight: 235lbs. FU150 in the highly-competitive Indonesian Clutch: Wet, multi-plate type. Championship in 2014, Suzuki announced a Fuel tank capacity: 4.2 Litres. brand new one-make series at the beginning Wheels F/R: Alloy. of 2015 to run within the long-established Front brake: Disc. Road Race Championship (ARRC). The Rear brake: Disc. SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE offers young riders an entry-level into competition with the aim of progressing to ARRC Supersport, national championships in Europe and Japan; and eventually to the MotoGP™ World Championship.

Riders draw random numbers at each race (for fairness, riders who finish last at the previous round draw first) to compete on identical 150cc machinery over five rounds of the ARRC, at major racetracks in , Indonesia, Japan and Thailand, and with a fully-inclusive package that includes machinery, mechanics, travel, accommodation and meals provided. Importantly, all riders receive on-going tuition and mentoring from SAC Rider Coach Hideyuki Ogata.

The series operates under the management of long- time Suzuki MotoGP, World Superbike, British Superbike and All Japan Superbike rider Yukio Kagayama; and after four rounds this season, it has exceeded all expectations, providing some of the closest and most-exciting racing in the ARRC; and also witnessing a dramatic improvement in rider skills and race craft in a short period of time.

12 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 13 SUZUKI ASIAN IT HAS EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS, PROVIDING CHALLENGE – THE VIDEOS SOME OF THE CLOSEST AND MOST-EXCITING RACING IN THE ARRC

2015 SEPANG TESTING SEPANG ASIA ROAD FOR ARRC & SAC RACE CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 1

Suzuki’s involvement in the Asia Road The opening round of the Asia Road Race Race Championship and its new one-make Championship and SUZUKI ASIAN SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE was kick- CHALLENGE in mid-April saw some close started at Sepang International Circuit, and exciting racing in both 600 Supersport Malaysia in April when Team KAGAYAMA and Suzuki’s new one-make series for the SUZUKI Asia’s Nori Haga and Rafid Topan FU150 machines. Sucipto joined enthusiastic young Suzuki FU150 riders in preparation for this season’s championships.

SENTUL ASIA ROAD SUZUKA ASIA ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP – RACE CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 2 ROUND 3

Race highlights and interviews from round Highlights from round three of the Asia two of the Asia Road Race Championship Road Race Championship (ARRC) and Supersport class and SUZUKI ASIAN SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE (SAC) at CHALLENGE one-make series at Sentul the Suzuka Circuit in Japan in July where International Circuit in Indonesia. Team KAGAYAMA SUZUKI Asia’s Noriyuki Haga claimed his first Supersport podium of the season aboard his GSX-R600.

14 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 15 16 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 17 CLOSE AND EXCITING RACING

Suzuki announced the launch of a new one-make With the launch of the Gixxer Cup, Suzuki has set championship, the Suzuki Gixxer Cup, in May new standards and laid the foundation of Suzuki this year that has been run – very successfully - in Motor Corporation’s global racing culture in conjunction with the Indian National Motorcycle India, promoting motorsports and the true spirit Racing Championship. of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) Atul Gupta, Executive Vice President of Suzuki has provided a full grid of 20 race-prepared Gixxer Motorcycle India Private Ltd, said: “Suzuki is a SF for five rounds of racing at Kari legendary name in the racing world and Suzuki Motor Speedway in Coimbatore and Madras motorcycles are amongst the fastest and most Motor Race Track in Chennai. The machines finely-crafted racing machines in the world. have been prepared by a dedicated team of experts Apart from showcasing the real potential of the and pit crew to support the riders, similar to the Gixxer SF to Indian motorsport enthusiasts, this SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE. championship will double-up as an opportunity for local racers to hone their skills by providing The 150cc Gixxer SF, launched to the Indian them an affordable platform to gain valuable market in August 2014, is the most-awarded and racing experience and exposure to the dynamic highly-acclaimed motorcycle of 2015, winning sport of .” nine major accolades from India’s leading media for its cutting-edge, sporty design, superior fuel Like the SUZUKI ASIAN CHALLENGE, the efficiency and strong acceleration and unrivalled Suzuki Gixxer Cup has so far seen close and performance. And since its launch, sales have exciting racing in both the Open Class (riders increased to between 6000 and 7000 units per above the age of 23) and also the Novice Class month. (under 23s), opening-up the opportunity for all riders to progress to national and international competition in the future.

18 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 19 SUZUKI GIXXER CUP – THE VIDEOS

2015 SUZUKI GIXXER 2015 SUZUKI GIXXER CUP ROUND 1 CUP - ROUND 2

Highlights from the opening round of the Highlights from the second round of the 2015 one-make Suzuki Gixxer Cup at the Suzuki Gixxer Cup Championship at the Kari Motor Speedway circuit in Coimbatore, Madras Motor Race Track in Chennai, India India. in July with on track action and behind the scenes footage and interviews with the riders.

The ultra-light weight and punchy engine under SUZUKI GIXXER the sleek fairing of the Gixxer SF has been powered with cutting edge SEP technology which SF DETAILS enables the Gixxer SF to deliver great power without compromising fuel economy. The premium looking Suzuki Gixxer SF is a fully-faired 155cc motorcycle which has been Coupled with a five-speed gearbox the Gixxer SF developed in the same wind-tunnel where the provides exceptional running performance with legendary Hayabusa, GSX-R and GSX-RR a broad low-end torque and dynamic mid-range MotoGP machines are developed. The fairing has power for strong acceleration which gives riders a been designed to give maximum wind protection thrilling ride! 2015 SUZUKI GIXXER 2015 SUZUKI GIXXER to the rider, reducing turbulence and drag, thereby CUP - ROUND 3 CUP - ROUND 4 delivering great aerodynamic efficiency. Commemorating Suzuki’s 2015 return to MotoGP racing, the new GIXXER SF sports the Highlights from the third round of the Highlights from the fourth round of the Every feature of the new Gixxer SF is designed Suzuki Racing Blue livery to express Suzuki’s spirit Suzuki Gixxer Cup Championship at the 2015 Suzuki Gixxer Cup Championship at to give a sporty and premium look - from its and passion for racing. Madras Motor Race Track in Chennai, India the Madras Motor Race Track in Chennai, futuristic-looking aluminium exhaust end cover, on August 9th with on-track action, behind India on September 6th with on-track new clear lens indicators and pinstripe on the the scenes footage and interviews with the action, some exciting onboard footage; and wheels gives it a sharp & edgy look, guaranteed to riders. interviews with the Open and Novice class appeal to all motorcycle lovers. riders.

20 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 21 Suzuki teams celebrated the 30th Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) Anniversary of the legendary GSX-R raced with the #30 plate on its GSX-R1000 Superbike on the racetrack in 2015 throughout this year’s Endurance World with new commemorative livery: Championship, debuting a new blue & white livery at the Bol d’Or finale in , where Team SUZUKI ECSTAR painted its riders Vincent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle GSX-RR – ridden by Aleix Espargaro and Etienne Masson clinched the World and Maverick Vińales - in a classic, Championship title for the 14th time. striking blue & white colour scheme for the Sachsenring MotoGP in Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team rider Roger and also the following Hayden rounded-out the MotoAmerica event at Indianapolis, USA. Superbike season’s final two rounds in the USA with his GSX-R1000 coloured in old-school, red-and-black.

All these various liveries were used by Suzuki racing legend and 1993 World 500cc Champion Kevin Schwantz throughout his illustrious career, and who was present at Sachsenring to celebrate with Team SUZUKI ECSTAR.

22 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 23 Team SUZUKI ECSTAR riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vińales, their GSX-RRs and the entire team turned-out in a classic blue & white livery for the Sachsenring MotoGP race in July – where they were joined by Suzuki’s 1993 World 500GP Champion Kevin Schwantz. They also kept the popular theme for the Indianapolis race in America on August 9th.

Maverick Vińales and Kevin Schwantz at Sachsenring

24 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 25 Newly-crowned Endurance World Champions Suzuki Endurance Racing Team unveiled a new blue & white paint job on their GSX-R1000 at the fourth and final round of the series at Paul Ricard Circuit in France for the 79th Bol d’Or on September 20th. The colours mirrored SERT’s first Bol d’Or-winning GS1000R from 1980; which they also displayed alongside their current 2015 racer.

26 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 27 U.S. Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing debuted a new red and white, classic Yoshimura colour scheme with team rider Roger Hayden racing the final two rounds of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Indianapolis and New Jersey Motorsports Park on September 9th in celebration of 30 years of the GSX-R.

28 TEAM SUZUKI RACING December 2015 Racing News 29