The 2000 500 GP World champion is almost forgotten when the press discusses the 2002 season — the inaugural season of MotoGP. Yes, Suzuki’s Kenny Roberts had a consistent, if not spectacular, 2000 season, capped off with a championship and a final race victory that none other than Mick Doohan called a “perfect” race. In 2001, Honda’s Valentino Rossi stole the show as Kenny Roberts struggled with performances that were downright embarrassing for both Suzuki and Roberts. He did not contend at all for the 2001 title. He was blown out of the water.
What happened? Did Roberts lose his skills or his determination? Did his Suzuki fall behind the development curve? Evidence suggests the latter is the case. Kenny Roberts is as determined and skilled as ever.
Suzuki MotoGP race boss Garry Taylor wants to win the opening race of the 2002 MotoGP season. The two-stroke 500s “are parked” according to Taylor and it is full speed ahead with the four-strokes. Yes, Suzuki has not only moved up its time table for the four-strokes an entire year, they are aiming to win from the outset of the 2002 season.
With Dunlop tires on their new machines, Suzuki will have an entirely new combination to deal with. The task is daunting, but somehow Suzuki just might surprise many of us. Roberts is hungry to run at the front of the pack again. The new V-4, four-stroke, on new tires, may just be his ticket. Don’t count him out.
