Suzuki leaves Joan Mir hanging dry to look out for new MotoGP team

With Suzuki scheduled to quit the MotoGP at the end of 2022, we take a look at the potential influence on the rider market, particularly on 2020 world champion Joan Mir.

 

Following the Spanish MotoGP at Jerez last weekend, the one-day test on Monday was overshadowed by the stunning news that Suzuki may be poised to leave the top class, despite signing a contract to stay until 2026 just last season. While Suzuki has been mute on the subject, it is increasingly likely that the Japanese manufacturer would withdraw from the world championship, citing financial concerns as the primary reason.

 

It’s a surprise on multiple levels, as the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer won the global title just last year, and key sponsors like Monster Energy joined the team during the off-season.

 

Suzuki has two MotoGP championships under its belt and has been one of the most successful teams in recent years. To begin with, if Suzuki confirms its intention to abandon its MotoGP effort, the team may be reincarnated under a different name, allowing Joan Mir and Alex Rins to remain teammates at that team. Aprilia is the only manufacturer, aside from Suzuki, without a satellite team. However, the Noale-based firm has expressed desire in doing so in recent seasons, making a takeover feasible.

 

Staying with Aprilia, we believe the Aleix Espargaro-led squad is the best choice for either Mir or Rins if Suzuki’s exit eliminates the possibility of switching to a satellite team. Of course, silly season is just getting started, so most riders are currently without contracts.

 

However, with manufacturers like KTM and Ducati likely to look in-house even if Mir and Rins become available – which was already planned from a contractual standpoint – there are just a few plausible possibilities left. With Espargaro in contention for the 2022 title and almost certain to return the following year, Maverick Vinales’ seat becomes available.

 

Mir, a two-time world champion in Moto3 and MotoGP, could also be of interest to Aprilia, but with Rins likely to command less money and Mir potentially having more options elsewhere, we believe Rins is the better option for Aprilia at this time.