Suzuki test rider Sylvian Guintoli was a Motegi wild card, riding a prototype version of the 2019 GSX-RR in preparation for testing at Valencia the day after the GP.
The former MotoGP rider and World Superbike champion had tested at Motegi for two days last week, and placed 21st in the morning dry session. “It is important to ride with the full-time riders, to keep up to speed, which is necessary for testing,” he said.
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- Guintoli, Japanese MotoGP 2018
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- Guintoli, Japanese MotoGP 2018
Having lost concession status with four podium finishes this year, development of next year’s machine is that much more crucial, with engine development frozen after the first race, in line with the other top factory teams.
Yamaha had also entered a wild card – factory tester and domestic rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga. But the 37-year-old Japanese was riding a stock bike rather than testing for the future, his team confirmed.
Nakasuga is something of a part-time MotoGP veteran. This will be his 12th start after a first in 2002; distinguished by second place in Valencia in 2012 when riding in place of the injured Ben Spies.
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- Nakasuga, Japanese Moto2 2016
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- Nakasuga, Japanese MotoGP 2017
By Michael Scott
Photos GnG