Ecstar Suzuki MotoGP boss Davide Brivio says his team have opted to use the newer-spec GSX-RR engine for the 2017 season after successful tests at both Valencia and Sepang.

Both Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins back-to-back tested the upgraded motor and it will now now be used from the Phillip Island test onwards.

“We are happy about this test because as far as we are concerned with Iannone we tested many things to check different combinations of engine, chassis setup, front forks; different things, and we were able to do a good job. We selected the best parts and now we will put the best package together to use in Phillip Island,” said Brivio.

“Also, it was important to understand which type of engine would have been better and it looks like we found one way - the new engine is better, so we are going to use this one for the new season.  So, we are quite satisfied because we could do the plan. Andrea is quite fast and already has a good feeling with the bike, so we are quite happy.

“We are also very happy with Alex. We can see from the data how he used the bike, the throttle, and the brakes. It's good – I think he listened a lot but also he can do what you tell him to do and this is our job to try and teach him as much as we can and to help him grow in the best possible way, but he is showing good signs and we are positive.”