Shinichi Sahara, the Hamamatsu factory’s Project Leader, echoes that positivity. “Last season was not the best for Suzuki interests because of different circumstances, even though we were able to finish the year with some good results in the Top 5,” says Sahara-san. “We struggled in some areas last season, especially with the engine, but we worked really hard to overcome this issue and finally with some new adjustments we were able to concentrate on other matters, such as the chassis, to find out how to improve. It was not easy considering we were blocked by the engine regulations. Fortunately, this season is about to start and we can have a different package and we think that we will be more competitive than last year, so we are positive and confident to fight for higher objectives. Especially after the first tests we did in Valencia and Jerez in the late stage of 2017.”