Image: Supplied.

Team Suzuki Ecstar has launched its 2019 look at its official team presentation over the weekend, showcasing the two GSX-RRs to be piloted by Alex Rins and Joan Mir.

With two seasons aboard the GSX-RR already, Rins spearheads the team’s efforts as the experienced rider in the garage, having achieved five podiums during the 2018 season with the clear target of getting to the top step of the podium this year.

“Finally winter is over and I can go back riding,” said Rins. “This winter break has felt so long and I can’t wait to be back riding again. After the last test in November I left clear feedback for the engineers to work on, as far as I know the improvements we will try in Sepang will not be drastic but many small improvements in many areas, which is totally the Suzuki philosophy.

“We know what we were missing on the bike, so I believe the R&D in Japan will deliver a package which will help us to improve further. My winter has been very intense, with successful recovery and intense training programme. This is an important year, because in 2018 we were able to show that we can consistently fight for podium positions, and now it’s time to go for the bigger prize – the victory.”

Debutant Mir has already proven that he is not daunted by the top class, showing solid performances in the November tests in Valencia and Jerez, however he acknowledges his maiden MotoGP campaign will be focused on learning rather than results.

“Needless to say, I am very excited to get back on my bike,” Mir commented. “This winter has been very long without riding but I focused on my physical training, which has given positive results so far. Of course I still need many more hours on the bike, there are so many things I still need to understand to be even more effective.

“But I feel very supported by the team and I will rely on their wealth of experience to improve, and also to contribute my own improvements to my bike. It will be a whole package, me and the bike, that will hopefully develop step by step. I don’t have any pressure, but for sure my clear objective will be to end the season with a smaller gap to the winner when compared to the first race.”

The first pre-season test for the MotoGP class is scheduled for 6-8 February at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.