HOPKINS STORMS SUZUKI TO THE TOP AT JEREZ TEST
26 March 2005 - Suzuki Racing

Team SUZUKI MotoGP racer John Hopkins stormed to the top of the time-sheets on the first day of the final pre-season test at a dry, windy and overcast Jerez circuit in Spain today.

Onboard Suzuki''s GSV-R, Hopkins set a time of 1min40.893, using the latest generation of Bridgestone''s medium compound race tyres. He completed a total of 79 laps on the 4.4km circuit, just two-laps short of three full race distances and was regularly in the top-three positions throughout the test.

Team SUZUKI MotoGP racer Kenny Roberts Jr concentrated on finding a comfortable set-up on his GSV-R. He used the whole day''s testing to maximise rear grip and stability on corner entry and to improve his chassis settings. His best time of 1min42.375 was just over a second off the top three positions.

Team SUZUKI MotoGP has two more days testing at Jerez in readiness for the MotoGP season to begin there in two weeks time.

John Hopkins (1''40.893):
''I''m really excited after today''s test. We have learned a huge amount for the race here in two weeks time. The target now is to set-up the GSV-R to run consistently fast for the 27 laps of the race. To top the time-sheets today is a reflection of my confidence in the bike and all the hard work Suzuki has done over the winter. I''m having a great time!''

Stuart Shenton-John Hopkins'' Chief Technician
''John did a fantastic amount of laps today, his feedback and technical knowledge is getting stronger all the time. Today confirmed some positives and negatives from the test and was another good examination for the Bridgestone race tyres.

''We worked on the engine control performance, which helped John to set the fastest time of the day. It is still clear we have plenty of work to do on all fronts, but at present we are very pleased with the GSV-R''s and John''s progress.''

Tom O''Kane - Kenny Roberts Jr''s Chief Technician
''We had a `testing'' day today, the focus was more on finding the right balance for the GSV-R and eliminating all the imperfections, rather than going for the ultimate lap. The bike improved throughout the day and we have a good basis for tomorrow. The target is to find the best base settings and then go for better times.''

MotoGP Test-Free practice classification.
1. JOHN HOPKINS (TEAM SUZUKI MOTOGP) 1''40.893: 2. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 1''41.045: 3.Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1''41.273: 4. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 1''41.357: 5. Marco Melandri (Honda) 1''41.626: 6. Alex Barros (Honda) 1''41.637: 7. Makoto Tamada (Honda) 1''41.658: 8. Alex Hoffman (Kawasaki) 1''41.702: 9. Shinya Nakano (Kawasaki) 1''41.775: 10. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1''42.018. 14. KENNY ROBERTS JR (TEAM SUZUKI MOTOGP) 1''42.375

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