In today’s Rewind feature we look back at the shock decision of the Suzuki factory to suspend its operations it MotoGP in the closing stages of the 2011 season.

It’s topical today, as Suzuki continues to put its would-be 2014 machine through its paces at a series of private tests.

All indications point to the suspension lifting after two years and the factory returning with a vastly-different bike in 2014, more in-line with the flagship GSX-R range which celebrates its one-millionth model rolling off the production line this year.

2011 was a harrowing year for the company. Not only was it forced to flounder in the wake of recession, as many manufacturers did, its operations were also significantly affected by domestic currency appreciation in Japan, as well as a raft of natural disasters, including the devastating earthquakes in March.

The flow-on consequences were severe, with a short, stark statement released by the factory confirming its short-term future.

“Suzuki Motor Corporation has decided to suspend temporarily its participation in FIM Road Racing Grand Prix MotoGP from 2012,” said the statement.

“This suspension is to cope with tough circumstances mainly caused by the prolonged recession in developed countries, a historical appreciation of Japanese Yen and repeated natural disasters.

Suzuki’s MotoGP campaign came to a temporary close at the end of 2011.

“Having an eye to returning to MotoGP in 2014, Suzuki will now focus on developing a competitive new racing machine for that class.

“Suzuki will continue motocross racing activity and support of road racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles, by obtaining FIM homologation and co-operation with the supplier of its development racing kit parts.”

Interestingly, it was only a week earlier that Suzuki had called upon the services of Frenchman Randy de Puniet to test the prototype GSV-R.

De Puniet was quick from the outset, and impressed boss Paul Denning. However any opportunity to be a part of the effort for the immediate season was erased by the factory’s withdrawal.

18 months later, de Puniet is back in the frame at Suzuki as he takes on what would have to be a lead testing role for the team’s 2014 challenger.

It’s unclear whether Randy will feature in the final makeup of the team, however Suzuki’s imminent return must be considered a great sign for the sport for seasons to come.

Read the original announcement about Suzuki’s withdrawal here, or check out our report on de Puniet’s positive test with the team, here.