Regulation Overhaul in 2027, and the “Will of the Company”
In 2022, Suzuki suddenly announced its withdrawal from MotoGP. The decision sent shockwaves through the paddock, especially given that the factory team had shown strong competitiveness: Joan Mir won the title in 2020, Suzuki’s 100th anniversary year, and Álex Rins secured multiple victories in 2022.
Since then, rumors of a Suzuki comeback have surfaced repeatedly in the MotoGP sphere, but no reliable information has emerged. However, with a new set of regulations coming into effect in 2027—most notably reducing engine displacement to 850cc—some speculate that this could be a chance for Suzuki to return to the grid.
But is this a realistic scenario, or merely wishful thinking?
Why Did a Winning Team Leave?
Suzuki’s exit from MotoGP was not due to poor performance. With Mir’s championship in 2020 and continued competitiveness into 2021 and beyond, the team remained a solid contender. However, the company’s leadership decided to shift financial and human resources previously dedicated to racing toward future-focused areas such as EV development and next-generation mobility. This resulted in a complete withdrawal from all two-wheel racing activities, including MotoGP.
Reportedly, this decision came without prior consultation with the team, taking many by surprise. The Suzuki MotoGP project—still fully competitive—was suddenly shut down.
Global Reaction and Hopes for a Comeback
Suzuki’s departure garnered significant attention in European media, but as of 2023, no definitive steps toward a return have been identified. English-language outlets noted that a comeback would require at least two years of preparation, but added, “there is currently no sign of any development project underway.”
In contrast, in MotoGP-obsessed countries like Spain and Italy, emotionally charged speculation continues, with some claiming “the new 850cc era is the perfect timing for Suzuki to return.” Still, such commentary remains speculative and lacks any factual basis.
Is the New 850cc Regulation an Opportunity for a Fresh Start?
The new MotoGP regulations slated for 2027 will reduce engine displacement from the current 1000cc to 850cc. But this is more than a simple engine size reduction—it includes broader changes like environmental considerations, tighter aerodynamic rules, and the banning of holeshot and ride height devices. In effect, it is a full reset of machine development.
Historically, such sweeping regulatory changes have encouraged new entries and re-entries. Aprilia transitioned into a full factory team after the CRT era, and KTM entered the series in earnest in 2017, eventually becoming a podium contender. For Suzuki, this could indeed be an ideal opportunity to start a new project from scratch.
But So Far, No Signs of a Return
To realistically return, early preparation is essential. Developing the engine and chassis, building a testing structure, and selecting riders all require a lead time of at least two years. If Suzuki aimed to rejoin in 2027, a concrete project would already need to be underway in 2025.
Yet as of now—early 2025—there are no signs of such a move. No indications from internal sources, no leaks to the outside world. In the past, some on social media (formerly Twitter) reported hearing MotoGP-like exhaust sounds near Suzuki’s Ryuyo test track, but such observations have disappeared since 2023.
Suzuki’s Corporate Philosophy and Strategic Future in Two-Wheel Motorsports
The rationale behind Suzuki’s MotoGP withdrawal lies in a clearly stated corporate policy: re-evaluate racing activities through the lens of cost-effectiveness. This wasn’t a temporary policy shift but a strategic pivot grounded in official IR materials and the Mid-Term Management Plan (2023–2025).
Currently, Suzuki is focused on the following strategic priorities:
- Concentrated investment in electric and hybrid vehicle development
- Strengthening domestic production in India for both two- and four-wheel vehicles
- Internal development of software and connected technologies
- Joint research into next-generation batteries (e.g., solid-state batteries)
- Deepened collaboration with Toyota in autonomous driving and ADAS technologies
Each of these areas is closely tied to global growth and revenue generation, in stark contrast to motorsport activities, which are cost-intensive and yield less direct financial return. For a mid-sized company like Suzuki, which values operational efficiency, MotoGP is a low-priority, high-cost venture.
In fact, the 2022 withdrawal decision was made swiftly at the executive level. The likelihood of such a firm shift in policy being reversed within a few short years is extremely low.
Conclusion: The “Will of the Company” Is the Decisive Factor
When considering the potential for Suzuki’s return to MotoGP, the key issue isn’t technological capability or human resources—it’s whether the company once again sees strategic value in racing. Everything hinges on that “will.”
Indeed, Suzuki’s newly announced Mid-Term Management Plan “By Your Side” (February 2025) lays out ambitious goals: ¥8 trillion in sales revenue and ¥800 billion in operating profit (10% margin) by fiscal 2030. Both the four- and two-wheel strategies focus heavily on BEVs, hybrids, and emerging markets.
In the four-wheel segment, Suzuki will launch the “e-Vitara” and a light commercial BEV in Japan in FY2025, followed by six BEV models by 2030. In India, the company plans to release four BEV models by FY2030, aiming to maintain its 50% market share. On the two-wheel side, the company targets 2.54 million unit sales and ¥50 billion in operating profit—modest but stable growth.
Moreover, Suzuki is venturing into new business areas such as service mobility and energy, aiming to make them “pillars of profit” on par with existing businesses by FY2040. Overall, it’s clear that Suzuki’s management resources are being channeled toward sustainable growth and environmental technologies, not racing.
Launching a large-scale, high-risk project like a MotoGP comeback would contradict this strategic direction. If such a move were in the pipeline, it would need to be reflected in the newly released 2030 mid-term plan and disclosed to shareholders and investors.
At present, no such signs exist. Unless future business plans explicitly mention racing activities, we must conclude that Suzuki’s MotoGP return is no longer a viable mid-term option. With the 850cc era fast approaching, the odds of seeing the Suzuki emblem back on the grid remain extremely slim.
(Photo courtesy of Suzuki)