SUPERB FIRST TEST FOR TEAM SUZUKI MOTOGP
24 January 2005 - Suzuki Racing

TEAM SUZUKI MOTOGP has completed its first test of the year at Sepang in Malaysia, with both racers Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins showing plenty of pre-season promise.

The four day test held at the hot and humid Malaysian circuit, where track temperatures rose to over 60 degrees Celsius, gave technicians and riders plenty of time to experiment with the changes made to the GSV-R''s engine and chassis in the closed season. The changes have seen a marked increase in both power and handling capabilities which were evident on the fast and demanding Sepang track.

Roberts Jr and Hopper were both on the pace and happy with the progress made by the Suzuki engineers on the GSV-R, code named XRE2.3.

Technical partners Bridgestone and Motul were present throughout the test days providing new rubber compounds and oil for the team to evaluate.

This was the first time the team had assembled under new manager Paul Denning who is still fresh from his success in the British Superbike Championship with Rizla Suzuki. A strong bond is already forming between existing and new crew members.

Team Suzuki MotoGP returns to Sepang for a further test on February 9th, the second in its gruelling pre-season schedule before the MotoGP World Championship begins at Jerez in Spain on April 10th.

Kenny Roberts Jr

''It was great to be back out on my GSV-R again, but to be honest this one has a completely different performance potential. The guys have certainly made some changes and I believe we are on the way to being a force to be reckoned with this season. Sure there is still a lot to do-and everyone knows it-but for me this is the best start to a season for several years.''

John Hopkins

''This was a good work-out for the team and me, it was nice to start working with all the guys again. I''m really excited about all the GSV-R''s changes, the jump in performance since the end of last season is the biggest I''ve experienced while riding for Suzuki and I''m certainly looking forward to the next test.

''My body is less than perfect right now and the GSV-R needs to improve further, but I really think we can be part of the fast gang in 2005.''

Paul Denning

''After all the waiting it is very encouraging to have got the first test completed. Suzuki has done a great job with the engine performance over the winter and the assistance this weekend from Bridgestone, Motul and all other technical partners has been fantastic. The signs are there that we are on the right route and we are working hard to make the GSV-R the best it can possibly be.

''I''d like to thank the Factory engineers, all four riders, including Nobu and Akiyoshi-San and all the crew for their hard work and great attitude during this crucial first test.''

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