Following a short break of 10 days, MotoGP is back on track this weekend in Japan. Round 16 will be a special one for many teams in the paddock, including Team SUZUKI ECSTAR who count this as their home GP. Located almost 400km from Suzuki’s base in Hamamatsu, Motegi circuit is a classic on the calendar, and in 2019 it will celebrate 20 years since first hosting a MotoGP race. With its vibrant atmosphere, passionate fans, and wide range of racing-related facilities including a riding school and a museum, Twin Ring Motegi remains one of the most popular stops of the year.

Alex Rins managed to recoup five positions from his grid spot at the Thai GP, finishing 5th and helping to consolidate his third place in the championship standings. However, the Spaniard was slightly disappointed with this result and he is hungry to return to the top positions in front of Suzuki’s workers in Motegi.

Joan Mir showed impressive and consistent pace throughout the weekend in Buriram, despite never having previously ridden a MotoGP bike around the Thai track. Mir took 7th place and engaged in some good battles. With his confidence and fitness building all the time, he his keen to prove his pace once again this weekend with the support of the Japanese fans.