FIRST LOOK: Mir, Rins unveil Suzuki's 2021 MotoGP colours
Suzuki has become the final team to unveil its 2021 MotoGP livery with reigning world champion Joan Mir and team-mate Alex Rins taking the covers off the latest GSX-RR, ahead of today's Official Test in Qatar.
With Mir turning down the #1 plate in favour of keeping his #36, the main visual difference is the inclusion of new sponsorship from Monster Energy.
"I'm really happy to have a new partner, Monster Energy, to start this challenging journey together," said Suzuki MotoGP project Project leader Shinichi Sahara. "And I hope they make our bike look much stronger and cooler!"
Mir began his second MotoGP season without a podium, but made history for Suzuki by winning its first grand prix title since 2000, claiming a race victory at Valencia along the way.
Rins meanwhile fought back from a dislocated and fractured shoulder at the opening Jerez event to win at Aragon and rise to third in the world championship.
Their combined performances were enough to add the Teams' title to Mir's Riders' crown, although the Constructors' world championship went in favour of Ducati.
But Suzuki heads into the new season having been 'shocked' by the winter departure of team manager Davide Brivio, who has become racing director of the Alpine (Renault) F1 team.
Project leader Sahara will take over Brivio's role in the short-term, assisted by information and feedback from a seven-strong 'committee' of team members.
Mir will start his MotoGP title defence when the first of five days of Official 2021 testing gets underway at Losail this afternoon.
Provisional 2021 MotoGP Calendar – January Update | |||
Round | Date | Race | Circuit |
1 | 28 March | Qatar (Evening race) | Losail |
2 | 4 April | Doha (Evening race) | Losail |
3 | 18 April | Portugal | Portimao |
4 | 2 May | Spain | Jerez |
5 | 16 May | France | Le Mans |
6 | 30 May | Italy | Mugello |
7 | 6 June | Catalunya | Barcelona |
8 | 20 June | Germany | Sachsenring |
9 | 27 June | Netherlands | Assen |
10 | 11 July | Finland (Subject to homologation) | KymiRing |
11 | 15 August | Austria | Red Bull Ring |
12 | 29 August | Great Britain | Silverstone |
13 | 12 September | Aragon | Aragon |
14 | 19 September | San Marino e Della Riviera di Rimini | Misano |
15 | 3 October | Japan | Motegi |
16 | 10 October | Thailand | Buriram |
17 | 24 October | Australia | Phillip Island |
18 | 31 October | Malaysia | Sepang |
19 | 14 November | Comunitat Valenciana | Ricardo Tormo |
Postponed Grands Prix: | |||
Argentina | Termas | ||
Americas | COTA | ||
Reserve Grand Prix Venues: | |||
Indonesia (Subject to homologation) | Mandalika | ||
2021 Pre-season Testing: | |||
5 March | Qatar Shakedown Test | Losail | |
6-7 March | Qatar Official Test | Losail | |
10-12 March | Qatar Official Test | Losail |