A suboptimal control law in turbulent pipe flow is derived and tested. Two sensing variables ∂p/∂$ heta$│$\_$w/ and ∂v$\_$$ heta$/∂γ│$\_$w/ are applied with two actuations ø$\_$$ heta$/ and ø$\_$γ/. To test the suboptimal control law, direct numerical simulations of turbulent pipe flow at Re$\_$$ au$/=150 are performed. When the control law is applied, a 13∼23% drag reduction is achieved. The most effective drag reduction is made at the pair of ∂v$\_$$ heta$/∂γ│$\_$w/ and ø$\_$γ/. An impenetrable virtual wall concept is useful for analyzing the near-wall suction and blowing. The virtual wall concept is useful for analyzing the near-wall behavior of the controlled flow. Comparison of the present suboptimal control with that of turbulent channel flow reveals that the curvature effect is insignificant.