---
title: "Suzuki planning satellite expansion for 2018"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/12/20/suzuki-planning-satellite-expansion-2018/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2016-12-20T16:15:44Z"
modified: "2016-12-20T16:16:03Z"
---

# Suzuki planning satellite expansion for 2018

Japanese manufacturer Suzuki is looking into the possibility of fielding more GSX-RRs in the MotoGP World Championship with satellite entrants in 2018, this according to [Autosport.com](https://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127532/suzuki-eyes-satellite-programme-for-2018).

Suzuki returned to MotoGP at the end of 2014 after a three-year hiatus whilst it rebuilt its Grand Prix project following financial strife in 2011. The Hamamatsu-based manufacturer has only ever entered the premier class as a factory effort in the modern era, so supplying machinery to satellite teams would be a step into uncharted territory for Suzuki.

![Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2016/12/616086918.jpg)

“We would like to have more bikes on the grid but it’s not easy for Suzuki because we never had experience on satellite teams,” Davide Brivio, team boss, told Autosport.

“Our resources are now fully dedicated to the MotoGP factory team, it’s very difficult to organise, to have more bikes on the grid. We need more people, more staff, we have to get organised. We hope to be able to work during 2017 and have something in 2018, if possible. It’s one of the targets but I can’t say now when we’ll be able to achieve this target.”

Suzuki were rumoured to be expanding into running three GSX-RRs in 2017, the third of which reportedly going to double Moto2 World Champion Johann Zarco, who tested for Suzuki in Japan in the summer. It was thought that LCR would field a GSX-RR for Zarco, but the team opted to continue its partnership with HRC and the French rider penned a deal with Monster Tech 3 Yamaha instead.

According to Autosport.com, Pramac Racing – who currently run Ducati machinery and will field a 2017 Desmosedici for Danilo Petrucci – have been linked to a possible Suzuki tie-up.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2016/12/622849812.jpg)

MotoGP owners Dorna Sports are keen to have a strong mix of motorcycle on the grid in the coming years, with the idea being that all six manufacturers field two factory bikes and two satellite machines. For 2017, there will be five Hondas, four Yamahas, eight Ducatis, two Suzukis, two Aprilias and two KTMs lining up on the grid.